Maine Offshore Wind Roadmap
In February 2023, the Maine Governor’s Energy Office (GEO) published the Maine Offshore Wind Roadmap (Roadmap), a comprehensive development plan for offshore wind in Maine. Building upon the state’s record of planning, research and development, and innovation, the Roadmap was an 18-month, stakeholder-led initiative facilitated by GEO and supported by a $2.166 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration.
The objective of the Roadmap was to identify ways to foster a responsible offshore wind industry that works for Maine’s people, economy, and heritage. Key topics covered by the Roadmap include energy markets, ports and infrastructure, socioeconomic impacts, equity, manufacturing and supply chains, workforce development, and ocean and environmental compatibility. The Roadmap offers a path forward for offshore wind in Maine that embraces the opportunity while ensuring compatibility with Maine’s coastal heritage and minimal impacts to fisheries and the environment. All information pertaining to the Roadmap can be accessed here.
Maine’s Offshore Wind Energy Procurement Law
One of the five objectives outlined in the Roadmap is to harness abundant offshore wind energy to reduce long-term energy costs, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and fight climate change. In July 2023, Governor Mills signed "An Act Regarding the Procurement of Offshore Wind Energy Resources” (L.D. 1895, P.L. 2023 Chapter 481) into law, which authorizes GEO to lead the procurement process of at least 3,000 MW of offshore wind installed by 2040.
L.D. 1895 established the Maine Offshore Wind Renewable Energy and Economic Development Program, which will further the development of responsible offshore wind projects in the Gulf of Maine in a way that helps the State meet its greenhouse gas reduction obligations, stabilize energy prices, benefit Maine’s economy and families, and minimize and compensate for any impacts to wildlife, habitat, fisheries, and coastal communities. The 3,000 MW procurement authorization was established through a data-driven process, including the Wind Energy Needs Assessment, a technical study conducted as part of the Roadmap process, and the ongoing Maine Energy Plan: Pathway to 2040. L.D. 1895 also allows for critical port development, creating opportunities for all Maine workers and businesses in the emerging industry, and protecting critical lobster fishing areas from offshore wind development.
The Maine Offshore Wind Renewable Energy and Economic Development Program will also seek to facilitate collaboration among states on transmission and procurement efforts, sharing of lessons learned, and effective coordination to build a broader supply chain that will support the growing industry on both coasts.
Maine’s Commercial Offshore Wind Solicitation
With the enactment of L.D. 1895, GEO is statutorily responsible for establishing procurements for at least 3,000 MW of floating offshore wind to be installed in the Gulf of Maine by 2040. GEO will coordinate with the Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and other state agencies as appropriate on the development of an offshore wind solicitation that calls for proposals from offshore wind developers and delivers offshore wind energy for Maine. The solicitation will include important plans related to stakeholder engagement, fisheries protection, environmental considerations, and economic development.
As outlined in L.D. 1895, GEO is required to file Maine’s first commercial offshore wind solicitation with the PUC by July 1, 2025, unless another date is agreed upon by the office and the PUC. Due to recent shifts in the energy landscape that have caused significant uncertainty in the offshore wind industry, GEO submitted a letter on June 13, 2025 to the PUC requesting mutual agreement to delay the filing of the solicitation. On June 25, 2025 the PUC held deliberations and agreed to the delay.
Offshore wind remains an important component of Maine’s long-term energy needs. GEO will continue to monitor the industry landscape and communicate when industry conditions for the solicitation may improve. The state will continue to support responsible offshore wind research and development through the Maine Offshore Wind Research Consortium, regional coordination, and other activities.
Contact
To stay informed, sign up to receive email updates on Maine’s offshore wind progress here. Please reach out to Stephanie Watson, Maine Offshore Wind Program Manager, for more information: Stephanie.watson@maine.gov, 207-620-4379