December 2, 2011
Maine

Norwegian firm proposes ocean wind energy project near Boothbay

MPBN News for Village Soup, www.mpbn.net 2 December 2011

State and federal officials will meet next week to review a proposal to construct what would be the world’s first floating wind turbine farm off mid-coast Maine.

Federal regulators announced Wednesday that the Norwegian energy company, Statoil, has submitted an application for a pilot-scale wind power project south of Boothbay, according to The Working Waterfront.

Statoil says Maine’s deep waters, strong winds, and proximity to urban centers such as Boston, make it a prime location for offshore wind projects. Members of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management task force will meet next Thursday in South Portland to discuss the request.

Two years ago, Statoil built the world’s first operational, deep water, large-capacity wind turbine off the coast of Norway.

The Boothbay site is one of several Statoil is considering for what would be the world’s first deepwater floating wind farm. Another site under consideration is reportedly off the coast of Scotland.

This story was reported by Tom Porter.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/12/02/norwegian-firm-proposes-ocean-wind-energy-project-near-boothbay/