The US Secretary of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) has awarded a grant of over $2m to the Maine Governor’s Energy Office to develop a roadmap for establishing an offshore wind power industry in the state.
The $2.166m grant will be matched with $267,624 in state funds and $112,457 in local funds.
The project will create a roadmap for establishing a floating offshore wind power industry by examining manufacturing processes, supply chains, port facilities, transportation systems, shipbuilding opportunities, ecosystem relationships, workforce development plans, power interconnections, exports and economic impacts.
Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross (pictured) said: “Unleashing American innovation is critical to our global competitiveness.
“This project will allow Maine to capitalise on its technical leadership in the wind power sector to diversify and grow the state’s economy and make it more resilient.”
Maine Governor Janet Mills said: “Maine is committed to the development of clean energy, the fight against climate change, and the pursuit of innovation to broaden and strengthen economic opportunities for our people.
“This important award will give Maine a roadmap for growing our clean energy economy in collaboration with our heritage industries, especially fishing, in order to support our state’s economic recovery from Covid-19 and sound the call that Maine intends to be a global competitor, innovator and leader in floating offshore wind.”
Senators Susan Collins and Angus King said in a joint statement: “For generations, Maine has been one of the nation’s energy leaders, and this project will bring in new opportunities to grow our state’s clean energy economy,.
“Thanks to our state’s extensive coastline, coastal communities, and the work of brilliant innovators in our state, a Maine offshore wind industry has the potential to become a leading energy provider for our region.
“This strategic roadmap funding will open the door to a powerful new source of clean energy and help us create good-paying jobs.”