Maine PUC Delays Decision on Aqua Ventus Power Contract

The Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC) decided on 9 January not to give its final decision on a power contract between Maine Aqua Ventus and Central Maine Power Co. yet, saying that more public comment is required as the energy market has changed since the initial terms were approved in 2014, according to the state’s media. 

The PUC explained that the Term Sheet it approved in 2014 could lead to the power contract being worth up to five times more than the market price today. Anthony Buxton, Project Counsel for Maine Aqua Ventus, said that the project developers will now work with the PUC and Central Maine Power Co. on a new proposal for the power contract.

Before the Maine Public Utilities Commission’s hearing, Buxton stated: “Our floating hull technology is essential to the future of offshore wind, as sites in deep waters represent 70% of the U.S. offshore wind capacity. At commercial sale, the target electricity price is 7.7 cents/kWh. This demonstration project is vital to Maine’s economy and to doing our part to combat global climate disruption.”

The 12MW Maine Aqua Ventus floating offshore wind pilot project, also known as New England Aqua Ventus I, is planned off of Monhegan Island.

This pilot project is expected to demonstrate the VolturnUS system at full-scale as a viable and economical alternative for offshore wind developments in water depths greater than 50 meters.

Offshore WIND Staff