UMaine-led offshore wind project featured in Renewable Energy article

The University of Maine-led New England Aqua Ventus I floating offshore wind pilot project was profiled in the Renewable Energy article, “Are floating turbines the future of wind energy?” There are currently dozens of pilot projects testing floating turbines — which consist of a wind turbine mounted on a buoyant structure — capable of generating electricity in depths where fixed towers could not be placed, according to the article. The New England Aqua Ventus project will be comprised of two 6-megawatt turbines placed in the waters off Monhegan Island. It boasts a floating hull design, which was tested on a 1:8 scale prototype called VolturnUS, the article states. The project is backed by a consortium of partners, including French defense company DCNS and construction contractor Cianbro.