“With our deepwater ports, some of the strongest and most sustained wind speeds in the world, and a growing clean energy workforce, Maine is ready to serve as one of the premier offshore wind hubs of the world.
Already a pioneer in offshore wind research and development, we are uniquely positioned to advance and support the commercial offshore wind sector that is coming to the Gulf of Maine.”
Governor Janet T. Mills
State of Maine
The Maine Governor’s Energy Office (GEO), established within the Executive Department and directly responsible to the Governor, is the designated state energy office tasked with a wide range of activities relating to state energy policies, planning, and development. As the lead energy office for the state, GEO is responsible for several activities such as providing policy leadership and technical assistance, developing energy programs, monitoring energy markets, and reporting on heating fuel and energy prices. GEO works in partnership with various state agencies, federal and local officials, industry, nonprofit interests, and academia on energy issues.
Launched in June 2019 by Governor Janet Mills, the Maine Offshore Wind Initiative aims to initiate thoughtful development of floating offshore wind energy in the Gulf of Maine while ensuring balance with our state’s maritime industries and ecosystems. The Maine Offshore Wind Initiative is overseen by the Governor’s Energy Office, in close coordination with multiple state agencies including the Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future and the Department of Economic and Community Development. Other agencies that will play a key role in the development and regulation of offshore wind include the Maine Departments of Transportation, Environmental Protection, and Marine Resources, as well as the Maine Technology Institute, and the Maine International Trade Center.
The Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future (GOPIF) was created by Governor Janet Mills to collaborate across State agencies, stakeholders, and public to recommend innovative policy solutions for critical issues facing Maine. Our areas of focus include climate change, workforce development, housing, issues facing youth and older Maine people, the opioid crisis, and Maine’s long-term economic prosperity. GOPIF serves as a key coordinator, working collaboratively with other State agencies and stakeholders to address critical long-term issues facing the State of Maine. We support planning and implementation by providing research, data, and innovative policy solutions.
The Maine Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) consists of more than two dozen experts who work to help communities and businesses prosper through a variety of programs, providing everything from targeted tax relief to community block grants to tourism marketing. Whether your business wants to make a film here, expand an aquaculture project, or explore financing when moving a business to our state, DECD’s experienced staff can help.
The Maine Department of Transportation is pursuing a unique opportunity to develop a purpose-built port facility to support the floating offshore wind industry. This facility would serve the anticipated commercial offshore wind projects in the Gulf of Maine and larger northeast region of the United States. Design and permitting work is already underway. MaineDOT is also seeking opportunities for funding and partnerships. This endeavor has the potential to be transformative for Maine and the region – both economically and environmentally.
The Maine Port Authority (MPA) plans, develops, maintains, and promotes port and intermodal facilities across the State to stimulate commerce and enhance the global competitiveness for the future wealth and prosperity of Maine. MPA does this by following Maine’s Three-Port Strategy which was developed in the 1970’s and focuses on Maine’s deep-water ports of Eastport, Searsport, and Portland.
Maine International Trade Center (MITC) is Maine’s leading source for international business assistance. MITC offers customized consulting, research, and an extensive network of connections across Maine and around the world to help businesses expand global markets for their products and services. Offshore wind relies on a vast supply chain network. MITC can help connect your business to the regional ecosystem so you can source components and services for projects at the local level. At MITC, we cultivate fruitful long-term partnerships between local Maine businesses and global industry leaders. We’re here to provide supply chain and local resource solutions for your company.
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MITC can help to connect you to the resources, supply chain, and workforce that your company needs to find success in the Maine offshore wind market.