Habib Joseph Dagher, Ph.D. P.E. Leads the Award Winning DeepCwind Consoretium at the University of Maine in Orono.

Governor Janet T. Mills (D) announced late today that the State and the Federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) have agreed on a floating offshore wind research lease in the Gulf of Maine, a key milestone in the State’s efforts to advance floating offshore wind research and promote responsible offshore wind development.

The agreement follows BOEM offering a research lease to the State earlier this year.  The research lease site, an area of up to 15 square miles in Federal waters nearly 30 miles southeast of Portland, will host the nation’s FIRST floating offshore wind research array.  The array which will include up to 12 floating turbines will inform how floating offshore wind operates and can co-exist with ocean users and ecosystems in the Gulf of Maine.

As proposed, the research array will use floating offshore wind and platform technology designed by the University of Maine and deployed by its developmen partner, Diamond Offshore Wind,  UMaine’s floating platford, known a VoltumUS, was recently awarded a $125 million grant from the US Department of Energy for its innovative design.

“Clean energy from offshore wind offers a historic opportunity for Maine to create good-paying jobs, reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and fight climate change by cutting greenhouse gas emissions,” said Governor Janet T. Mills (D),  “This lease between the state and BOEM to support the nation’s first research array devoted to floating offshore wind technology is the result of extenive engagement with stakeholders and communities across our state to establish Maine as a leader in responsible offshore wind, in balance with our state’s marine economy and environment.”

Habib Joseph Dagher, PH.D. P.E. leads the award winning DeepCwind Consortium, at the University of Maine, Orono.