Small-Scale Project. Multifaceted Power.
Power for tens of thousands of Maine homes. Power to create thousands of Maine jobs. Power to combat climate change and protect the Gulf of Maine. Power to harness UMaine’s homegrown technology. Power to make data-driven decisions and maximize compatibility with all ocean users. All this is possible through the Maine Research Array.
The Research Array:
Utilizes UMaine’s VolturnUS patented floating platform technology, making it an important demonstration of Maine’s culture of innovation.​
Produces up to 144 MW of renewable energy that will be delivered to the Maine grid. That’s enough clean energy to power more than 92,000 homes in Maine—more than all the homes in Lincoln, Knox, Waldo, Hancock, and Washington Counties combined! ​
Will be 10 turbines located within a proposed lease area of approximately 15.2 square miles. That’s only .04 percent of the 36,000 square miles of ocean in the Gulf of Maine. ​
Is located approximately 40 miles offshore, outside of state waters where 75% of Maine’s lobster catch is landed. ​
Balances the needs and safety of all waterway users by reducing potential impacts to wildlife and fisheries and minimizes impacts to navigation and defense.
Removes more than 985 million pounds of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere—that’s the equivalent of taking more than 96,000 fuel-burning cars off the road each year, or replacing nearly 17 million lightbulbs with LEDs.
Will generate more than $1 Billion in economic activity for the State of Maine.
The Site.
Site selection for the Maine Research Array was an extensive, multi-party coordinated effort over a period of many years. It involved in-depth studies and analysis, careful attention to environmental impact, engagement with hundreds of individuals, and hundreds of hours of workshops and meetings with stakeholders including fishing and other marine industry leaders.
The result is a small site in the Gulf of Maine that has minimal conflict and overlap with lobster, fish and fisheries, marine mammals and sea turtles, avian species, military use areas, vessel traffic and navigation, and visual and cultural resources.
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The State of Maine has applied to the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) for a research lease at the proposed site. The site will undergo additional thorough review and analysis by a federal agency before approval is granted.
BOEM Request for Interest Area (MeRA lease will be within this area)
Fisheries Density
Whale Sightings
