Maine Gov. Mills touts state’s offshore wind leadership at conference

During her keynote address at the Oceantic Network’s International Partnering Forum (IPF) in New Orleans last week, Maine Gov. Janet Mills discussed her state’s leadership in responsibly pursuing offshore wind.

In her remarks, Mills announced that the state has begun the process of procuring up to 3,000 MW of offshore wind energy by 2040 – an initiative first announced last July. Last week, the state issued a request for information (RFI) seeking public input to inform the state’s first commercial offshore wind solicitation for the Gulf of Maine.

The RFI for procuring offshore wind energy marks a milestone in Maine’s efforts to develop responsible offshore wind in the Gulf of Maine, stabilize energy costs for consumers, and drive investment and job growth across the state.

”Offshore wind offers Maine the opportunity to generate clean, homegrown energy, to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, to create good-paying jobs, and to protect our environment for future generations,” Mills said. “Today, I am proud to announce that Maine is taking the first step in our offshore wind procurement process by releasing a Request for Information – a formal call for feedback from diverse stakeholders that will inform our procurement of offshore wind to reach 100 percent clean energy.”

The RFI is seeking feedback on the state’s solicitation approach and implementation, regional coordination, fisheries protection and engagement, ports, workforce, transmission, environmental impacts, and other topics. Responses will be used by GEO and other state agencies to evaluate solicitation designs and consider key program objectives.

“Public input gathered through this RFI will shape Maine’s first offshore wind solicitation, a key milestone in the development of responsible offshore wind for the State and the region,” Dan Burgess, director of GEO, said. “Guided by the recommendations of the Maine Offshore Wind Roadmap, Maine is committed to robust stakeholder engagement to maximize the opportunity to deliver clean, affordable, and reliable energy to households and businesses through responsibly developed offshore wind.”

The deadline for responses is June 21. There will be additional opportunities for public input throughout the ongoing solicitation design process, which is scheduled to be complete by July 2025.

Also, at the IPF conference, Mills participated in a panel discussion focused on the importance of collaboration to advancing offshore wind. Mills was joined by Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Director (BOEM) Liz Klein, Norway Ambassador to the U.S. Anniken Krutnes, and British Consul General Richard Hyde for the panel discussion.

In addition, Mills announced Sears Island as the preferred site for a port to service floating offshore wind. The port facility will establish Maine’s place in the growing offshore wind industry and become a hub for job creation and economic development.