Press Herald Reports on UMaine Offshore Wind Project Questions
The Portland Press Herald reported on questions surrounding the U.S. Department of Energy’s decision not to award the University of Maine’s offshore wind project with a key $47 million grant. According to the article, U.S. Sen. Susan Collins spoke with U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz, who said one reason the project lost out was because federal officials weren’t convinced the New England Aqua Ventus floating design made of concrete and composites could be built for less money than competing steel units. “I care a great deal about this and I’m really surprised at the decision,” Collins told the Press Herald. “It’s just difficult to understand why the administration didn’t choose the university as one of the projects.” The project will receive $3 million for further research and development, and will be considered for more funding should it become available. The Bangor Daily News also published an editorial on the topic titled, “Go big, or lose big, on offshore wind in Maine.”