UMaine Deepwater Offshore Wind Test Site

"[2] Maine Aqua Ventus I, GP, LLC, is pursuing a 12 MW demonstration offshore wind pilot project in the test site, with deployment and commercial operations planned for 2020.

The University of Maine and its partners conducted a variety of ecological and environmental studies to characterize the UMaine Deepwater Offshore Wind Test Site, primarily between 2010 and 2013.

[8] In December 2009, the Maine Department of Conservation designated the location off of Monhegan Island based on its distance from the mainland shore and greater water depths.

The document stated that demonstration areas would be identified as a "three pronged approach," that would consider: geographical information system "showstoppers," human use and activities, and environmental considerations.

The second phase focused on map analysis (of ecological concerns, geology, obstructions, infrastructure, human uses of the marine environment, and viewshed) followed by a ranking process that gathered written and oral comments from a variety of sources, including fishermen, state agencies, and other interested parties.

The project would feature two 6 MW wind turbines mounted on a University of Maine-developed VolturnUS floating concrete hull.

As of November 1, 2016, the Monhegan Energy Task Force contracted with law firm Eaton Peabody to negotiate the community benefits agreement with Maine Aqua Ventus.

[17] The test site and proposed project has created ongoing discussion on the Island, with residents considering potential impacts to their community.

[18] In early July 2016, the Monhegan Energy Task Force conducted a survey to gauge community interest and sentiment towards Maine Aqua Ventus and the proposed offshore wind demonstration project.

The Monhegan Energy Task Force reported that nearly 80% of Registered Voters should engage with Maine Aqua Ventus and pursue a community benefit agreement.