Maine and Federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Agree on Research Lease to Advance Floating Offshore Wind

On August 19, 2024, the State of Maine, led by the Maine Governor's Energy Office, and the U.S. Department of Interior's Bureau of Ocean Energy Management agreed on a floating offshore wind research lease, which will host the nation's first floating offshore wind research array in federal waters. The site, located nearly 30 miles offshore Maine, will generate up to 144 MW of renewable energy and will use technology designed by the University of Maine. Diamond Offshore Wind will serve as the project's developer. Notably, the University of Maine was recently awarded $12.5 million from the U.S. Department of Energy for its innovative floating platform, VolturnUS.

With up to 12 floating turbines, the project will inform how floating offshore wind operates and can coexist with existing ocean users and ecosystems. This research lease aligns with and is a key milestone in implementing the Maine Offshore Wind Roadmap, which details how Maine can realize the economic, energy, and environmental benefits of offshore wind in partnership with important communities of interest. For more information on the research lease, click here.