WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding $2,166,719 to the Governor’s Energy Office, to further advance a comprehensive economic roadmap for establishing Maine as a leader in the offshore wind power industry, according to a news release.

This investment will build on Maine’s national leadership on floating offshore wind and substantial work and research in the state and the Gulf of Maine, the release noted. 

“Maine is committed to the development of clean energy, the fight against climate change, and the pursuit of innovation to broaden and strengthen economic opportunities for our people,” said Governor Janet Mills. “This important award will give Maine a roadmap for growing our clean energy economy in collaboration with our heritage industries, especially fishing, in order to support our state's economic recovery from COVID-19 and sound the call that Maine intends to be a global competitor, innovator and leader in floating offshore wind.”

The strategic roadmap will work in partnership with other state agencies and stakeholders across all sectors — including the University of Maine — to develop a comprehensive offshore wind roadmap to create quality jobs and grow talent in the state, with a focus on floating technology.

Based off of industry-led initiatives including the Forest Opportunity Roadmap (FOR/Maine) and the Marine Economy Initiative (SEAMaine) the offshore wind roadmap is the product of thorough analysis and extensive input from a variety of public-private leaders and committed partners in industry, academia, coastal communities, and fisheries, the release stated.

The EDA grant will be matched with $267,624 in state funds and $112,457 in local funds, including funding from Maine Technology Institute and in-kind contributions from the University of Maine.