UMaine Receives $12.4 Million for Deepwater Offshore Wind Research Facility
Contact: Professor Habib Dagher, (207) 581-2138; Joe Carr, (207) 581-3571
ORONO, Maine – The University of Maine has received a $12.4 million grant from the U.S. Commerce Department’s National Institute of Standards and Technology for construction of its new deepwater offshore wind energy research and testing facility.
The 30,000 square foot addition to UMaine’s Advanced Structures and Composites Center will be the only facility of its kind in the United States to include complete development capabilities for designing, prototyping and testing large structural hybrid composite and nanocomposite components for the deep water offshore wind energy industry.
“This was a formidable competition across all fields of science and engineering that was set up last summer for all universities and non-profits in the United States,” says Habib Dagher, director of UMaine’s AEWC Advanced Structures and Composites Center. “The goal was to identify research projects that would have a significant impact on the science and engineering competitiveness of the United States. We’re pleased that the University of Maine was among one of the 11 universities selected by a science peer review committee.”
The new Advanced Nanocomposites in Renewable Energy Laboratory (ANREL) will support a materials and engineering research program designed to capitalize on two of the state’s key resources, wind energy and wood.
Wood is a potential renewable feedstock for new lignocellulose-based nanocomposites. This still-experimental materials technology uses nanoscale, cellulose-based fibers naturally produced in forest products to add stiffness and strength to polymer composites.
“I am delighted to have helped successfully secure funding for this important project,” says U.S. Sen. Susan Collins. “I am a strong supporter of UMaine’s Composites Center because of its excellence in research and development, and because of the project’s vital role in securing our renewable energy needs. This new facility will be one of the nation’s leading laboratories for the development of advanced composites for offshore wind energy research.”
“In a time of economic distress, it is vital for Congress to focus on both short-term relief, as well as on a long-term comprehensive energy strategy that reduces America’s dependence on foreign oil, creates jobs, embraces renewable and alternative sources of energy, and, most importantly, makes energy prices affordable for consumers,” stated U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe on Friday. “With its Advanced Nanocomposites in Renewable Energy Laboratory (ANREL) already spearheading efforts to solve the current challenges being driven by the energy crisis, the University of Maine is in a unique position with the research and technology capabilities already in place, to ensure that offshore wind development become a success along the East Coast.
Maine has an estimated 149 gigawatts of offshore wind energy within 50 nautical miles of its shoreline, according to figures from UMaine. Experts estimate that developing 5 gigawatts of offshore wind in Maine would create 15,000 jobs and bring $20 billion to the state.
“The University of Maine Advanced Structures and Composites Center has been central to our vision of increasing manufacturing and technology jobs here in Maine, promoting renewable energy production, and growing the economy and jobs in the State,” stated Gov. John Baldacci on Friday. “I am pleased that the Federal government has again recognized the work of Dr. Habib Dagher and his team. The Center plays a vital role in realizing Maine’s potential for deep water offshore wind generation and Maine’s ability to become more energy independent.”
The ANREL addition is designed to develop durable advanced composites materials suitable for the harsh offshore environment, which must withstand both high wind stresses and a corrosive environment. It will include a nanocomposites laboratory, prototyping space for large composite structures, a large structural testing laboratory with a test stand capable of supporting prototype 70-meter wind blades, and mechanical and environmental testing labs.
“This is another important step forward for clean energy development and job creation in Maine,” U.S. Rep. Michael Michaud stated Friday. “The research conducted at the new lab will complement the cutting edge advancements being made at the University of Maine and position our homegrown clean energy industry for future growth. This project represents a win for the local economy with the construction jobs that will be created.”
Funding for UMaine’s new facility is being distributed to Maine through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), which Collins helped author. In addition to UMaine, NIST grant awards totaling $123 million were announced Friday to support the construction of new scientific research facilities at 10 other universities nationwide and will launch more than $250 million in new laboratory construction projects beginning early next year.
“These awards will create jobs by helping to fund twelve major, shovel-ready construction projects,” stated U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke in a news release Friday. “These new, state-of-the-art facilities will help keep the United States at the forefront of scientific and technological innovation, and will support economic growth.”
More information is available at www.nist.gov/recovery.