Thaler, Ward Quoted in Mainebiz Article on UMaine Offshore Wind Project

Jeffrey Thaler, assistant university counsel and a visiting professor of energy policy, law and ethics at the University of Maine, and Jake Ward, UMaine’s vice president for innovation and economic development, were interviewed for a Mainebiz article on the release of estimated cost and economic impact details of a proposed floating offshore wind project led by UMaine and its partner companies. The details filed by the Maine Aqua Ventus project say the project will create at least 340 jobs and make the state a hub for development. Utility customers would pay 23 cents per kilowatt hour for electricity, which is higher than market rates. Thaler said for the price of a movie ticket, Mainers will be investing in helping the state become a leader in the offshore wind industry. Ward said Maine Aqua Ventus is also pledging to develop a STEM curriculum related to the project for high school students.