Using the Test Site

The UMaine Deepwater Offshore Wind Test Site can be used for offshore wind energy demonstration projects conducted by or in cooperation with the University of Maine System and consistent with its offshore wind energy research and development-related efforts. The legislation (LD 1465) that designated the test site provides very specific controls and environmental monitoring requirements such that the State of Maine has oversight.

Where can I access current or historical metocean data from the site?

Hourly buoy data near the UMaine Deepwater Offshore Wind Test Site is available for viewing from NERACOOS E01.

What research and development activities are allowed in the site?

The following activities are permitted, per LD 1465, in the UMaine Deepwater Offshore Wind Test Site:

  1. A wind energy development project that uses a wind turbine to convert wind energy into electrical energy with no more than 2 wind energy turbines
  2. Up to 3 meteorological towers per wind turbine
  3. One submerged utility line with maximum capacity of 25 megawatts
  4. Up to 2 wave energy converters, which use the motion of the ocean surface waves to generate electricity
  5. An ocean sensor package, which refers to an instrument that would measure metocean data at the site

What’s required to use the UMaine Deepwater Offshore Wind Test Site?

Per LD 1465, an applicant for a general permit must file an application with the State of Maine Department of Environmental Protection that contains:

  1. Written certification that the offshore wind energy demonstration project will be located within the test site
  2. A site plan that includes several elements (See LD 1465, Section 3B)
  3. A report prepared in consultation with the Department of Marine Resources including several specific requirements (See LD 1465, Section 3C)
  4. Acknowledgment that the Maine DEP may require applicant to take remedial action at the applicant’s expense
  5. A Fish and Wildlife Monitoring Plan that includes provisions for conducting monitoring throughout the term of the permit (See LD 1465, Section 3E)
  6. Navigation and Safety Plan to protect the public and project facilities (See LD 1465, Section 3F)
  7. Project Removal Plan for removal of the project within 60 days of termination of a general permit (See LD 1465, Section 3G)
  8. Documentation that each item (5 through 7) was created in consultation with several federal and state agencies, including Maine Department of Marine Resources, Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Coast Guard, and others (See LD 1465, Section 3H)
  9. Proof of Insurance
  10. Proof of Financial and Technical Capacity to construct and operate the project as proposed
  11. Proof that no applicant has ownership holds or has applied for another permit under this legislation
  12. Proof of Cooperation with the University of Maine System

How do I connect with the University of Maine regarding the UMaine Deepwater Offshore Wind Test Site?

Contact Jake Ward, Vice President for Innovation and Economic Development at the University of Maine.

How do I visit Monhegan Island or the UMaine Deepwater Offshore Wind Test Site?

To learn more about visiting Monhegan Island, visit Monhegan Welcome (external link.) Monhegan Island can be reached from three ports in Maine: Port Clyde, New Harbor, and Boothbay Harbor. Individual vessels can be chartered to Monhegan Island or to visit the UMaine Deepwater Offshore Wind Test Site. Several inns and rentals are available on the island.