USA - Within the next 20 years, 5 gigawatts of offshore wind capacity planned for Main

Maine Governor John Baldacci said yesterday that he will actively pursue the ambitious goals of the Maine Ocean Energy Task Force, including the target of 5 gigawatts of offshore wind capacity in the next 20 years.

“In the coming weeks, I will submit legislation to continue our aggressive pursuit of offshore wind energy,” Baldacci said in his State of the State speech. “The plan, which is the result of my Ocean Energy Task Force, will help to spark this new industry and confirm Maine’s leadership role. We will set a target of producing 5 gigawatts of electricity from offshore turbines by 2030. That sounds like a long time from now, but in the birth of a new technology it’s just a blink.”

In December, the task force issued its final report announcing the 5 gigawatt target and recommending streamlined permitting of offshore wind projects in state waters, improved transmission infrastructure and state-mandated power purchase agreements. Maine has also identified three areas for deep-water wind turbine testing and received two federal grants to pursue offshore turbine research.

“In just two years, there will be a prototype turbine in the water, producing electricity,” Baldacci said. “Work going on today by Habib Dagher at the University of Maine, with private-sector partners and critical support from the federal government, is positioning our state at the forefront of a new energy revolution. We have it within our power to develop new, cutting edge sources of energy that can help to forever reshape the world.”

Baldacci, originally elected in 2002, will see his term of office expire in January 2011. He is term limited from seeking reelection. Baldacci said his plan was motivated by the economic potential of “thousands of jobs in Maine and … billions of dollars worth of investment.” He also alluded to the environmental and national security arguments for developing offshore wind power.

“There is a burning urgency to the work we are doing. We cannot wait, too much is in the balance,” Baldacci said. “Whether you believe in global warming or not, ending our dependency on foreign oil is a matter of national security that demands action now. We are on the brink of a new day.”

For more information please contact Trevor Sievert at ts@windfair.net