Network staff served as industry advisors on the project, which was announced last week on 23 February, and the Network says it is now looking forward to working further with the state on building out its supply chain.
The release of the roadmap completes an 18-month long process that analysed the state’s infrastructure, workforce, and offshore wind capabilities. The report provides tangible steps the state could take in support of industry development.
“The Network congratulates the state of Maine on completion of its offshore wind roadmap” said John Begala, the Network’s Vice President of State and Federal Policy. “The state’s thorough process not only better prepares the state to capture significant small business and workforce benefits, but will also support sustainable development in the Gulf of Maine. With its floating turbine research project under development, the state has already proven itself a pioneer in cutting-edge floating wind technology. Acting on the roadmap's recommendations will solidify the state’s position as national leader for floating offshore wind.”
The Maine Offshore Wind Roadmap is a stakeholder-driven comprehensive plan that offers detailed strategies for Maine to realise economic, energy, and climate benefits from offshore wind, in conjunction with communities, fisheries, and wildlife of the Gulf of Maine.
Objectives of the Roadmap are organised around five key topics – supporting economic growth and resiliency, harnessing renewable energy, advancing Maine-based innovation, supporting Maine’s seafood industry, and protecting the Gulf of Maine’s ecosystem.
The work was supported by a $2.166 million grant from the US Economic Development Administration (EDA) to the Governor’s Energy Office (GEO) to develop the Roadmap as an initiative for growing Maine’s overall economy and improving Maine’s economic resilience, through targeted development of this global industry.
Maine’s 10-year Economic Strategy identifies offshore wind as a critical opportunity to grow the state’s economy, and encourages the state to set forth a balanced agenda that maximises economic benefits for Maine people while creating a culture of innovation that creates a foundation for future leadership in this growing industry.
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