Maine passes bill for 3-GW offshore wind procurement target

The Maine Legislature has passed a bill that sets a target for the state to procure 3 GW of offshore wind power by 2040, predominantly relying on floating platforms due to the depth of the waters off the coast of the state.

The bill now needs to be signed into law by Governor Janet Mills. It contains provisions that will facilitate turbine assembly for local projects by supporting supply chain development and a construction port on Maine’s coast. Lobster fishing in the Gulf of Maine is also being backed through the new legislation.

The federal leasing process is set to launch auctions in late 2024.

“Once signed into law, this bill will allow Maine and the broader US to become leaders in floating offshore wind technology. We encourage Maine to work closely with neighboring states to develop the robust supply chain and port infrastructure necessary for these projects,” commented Carol Oldham, Northeast Director for The Business Network for Offshore Wind.

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