University of Maine has been assigned to design the floating offshore wind platforms, which will be used by the research array.
After several rounds of discussions, USA’s first floating offshore wind research lease has been issued finally by the federal government. The lease granted to the state of Maine, comprises 23 square miles (60 square kilometers) in federal waters, reports AP.
The lease has been requested by the state from the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management for a unique floating offshore wind research line-ups, which must be equipped with dozens of turbines, which will have the potential to offer 144 megawatts of renewable energy in waters nearly 30 miles (48 kilometers) southeast of Portland, Maine..
University of Maine has been assigned to design the floating offshore wind platforms, which will be used by the research array. When asked about the construction of the platforms, the officials are yet to provide any official statement. Officials added that the research will prove to be significant to grow the ocean wind energy industry in Maine.
A year ago, the bill was passed by the democratic Gov, Janet Mills. The state of Maine has been looking forward to powering half of its electric load from offshore wind turbines by 2040. “Clean energy from offshore wind offers an historic opportunity for Maine to create good-paying jobs, reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, and fight climate change by cutting greenhouse gas emissions,” added Mills.
According to reports, the granted lease of 60 square kilometers is much bigger than the previously requested 39 square kilometers. The larger lease will assist the fishermen, oceanography experts, and the state to carefully examine the compatibility of floating offshore wind.
