Maine, federal government reach agreement on floating offshore wind research array

VolturnUS is UMaine's patented floating concrete hull technology that has been awarded 43 patents in the U.S. and abroad. (University of Maine image)

An effort to study the impacts of offshore wind in the Gulf of Maine is closer to launch after the state and federal government reached a lease agreement on Monday for a floating research array.

The Federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management offered the research area lease to the state in late May for up to 15 square miles in federal waters about 30 miles southeast of Portland, according to a press release from Gov. Janet Mills’ office Monday afternoon. It will include up to 12 floating turbines and help inform how floating offshore wind operates and interacts with ecosystems in the water.

“This floating research lease represents a continued investment in innovative offshore wind technology and research, and will help Maine embrace a secure, sustainable energy future — while striking an important balance with the needs of our fisheries and fishing communities,” said U.S. Senator Angus King, in the release.

The research array will use technology designed by the University of Maine, known as VolturnUS. The floating platform, which was deployed by UMaine’s development partner, Diamond Offshore Wind, recently received a $12.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy for its innovative design.

Timing of construction will depend on permitting and other regulatory processes. For example, Mills’ office noted that the research array will be subject to an environmental analysis before any construction. BOEM will also need to approve a research activities plan, and the Maine Public Utilities Commission will need to sign off on a power purchase agreement.

Research conducted at the facility is expected to follow the priority topics outlined by the Maine Offshore Wind Research Consortium , which Mills formed in 2021 with bipartisan support to better understand the local and regional impacts of floating offshore wind power projects in the Gulf.

“Maine is poised to become a model for responsible and sustainable offshore wind development, and I’m proud to support this groundbreaking work,” said U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree.

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