Applications Sought for Wind Turbine Site Survey

Contacts: Paul L. Villeneuve (207) 581-2271; Aimee Dolloff, (207) 581-3777

ORONO – In collaboration with the University of Maine, the Maine Public Utilities Commission’s Efficiency Maine Program is seeking applications for a Wind Turbine Site Survey within the state. UMaine is responsible for tower erection, data collection and review, and tower decommissioning, and students will develop detailed reports discussing data validation and project viability.

The survey provides qualified applicants with a preliminary assessment of the potential for wind generation at a specific site. In the end, successful applicants will have a sense of whether wind power at their site is viable.

Eligible participants include Maine-based schools, communities, non-profit organizations and businesses. Residential applications are not eligible.

Applicants must pass the minimum requirements of the survey in order to qualify to go forward to other elements, which will be rated in the decision-making process.

They also must show that they have the intention and the means to establish a working wind turbine at the location if the study proves the site to be of sufficient wind capacity.

The application deadline is Friday, Oct. 30.

Detailed copies of the RFP are available by contacting UMaine Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering Technology Paul L. Villeneuve, 5708 Barrows Hall, Room 9, Orono, ME 04469-5708, (207) 581-2271, or e-mail paul.villeneuve@umit.maine.edu.