Three offshore wind-power test sites unveiled as Maine positions itself to become a leader in renewable energy production

Bangor Daily News 12/16/09

AUGUSTA, Maine — Government officials and researchers who seek to build ocean-based wind and wave turbines in the Gulf of Maine unveiled three sites Tuesday where prototypes will be constructed.

Tuesday’s announcement puts Maine one step closer to becoming the first state in the nation to create offshore wind test and demonstration sites, which according to University of Maine professor Habib Dagher will position the state at the forefront of a widespread effort to tap renewable energy sources.

“Our vision is to put Maine in front of the country and the world in the development of offshore wind power,” said Dagher, who as director of the university’s Advanced Structures and Composites Center plans to conduct research with three wind turbines at one of the locations announced Tuesday.

The three sites, selected by a consortium of government and private agencies, include one off Boon Island, near the southern Maine town of York; one off Damariscove Island near the town of Boothbay; and the third near Monhegan Island, located some 25 miles from Maine’s midcoast region. All three sites, which measure between 1 and 2 square miles, are in Maine’s territorial waters, which means the state — as opposed to the federal government — will retain regulatory authority.

FMI

Jim's comment: "These sites all will be visible from the remote islands nearby. I expect some outcry once the artist's rendering show the new view."

**UPDATE** "That didn't take long!"

Local fishermen not happy with Boon Island as turbine selection

Seacoast Online.com 12/16

YORK, Maine — Local fishermen have raised a number of concerns about the state's plans to use Boon Island as a demonstration site for offshore wind turbine testing.

The turbines would take away prime fishing, lobstering and shrimping areas, according to lobsterman Pat White of York, who initiated two recent meetings on the issue at the York Senior Center.

At least a dozen fishermen and lobstermen attended each.

White represents fishermen on the governor's task force, serves on the Maine State Lobsterman's Association and is president of the Gulf of Maine Lobster Foundation.

"It seriously disrupts the lobster community because the guys that fish there will have to move over into someone else's territory," said White.

FMI