Maine plans to use offshore wind for half its energy needs by 2040::Maine will procure at least 3,000 megawatts of electricity from offshore wind turbines by 2040 under a bill signed Thursday by Democratic Gov. Janet Mills, enough to power about half of the state’s electricity load.
What’s the impact of such projects on the local climate and weather?
If it’s replacing coal and gas, it’s a big benefit.
Maine is primarily hydro so half by wind is an odd goal for that state. Boosting wind production is good and theres lots of it there, but its not like theyre burning mostly coal or anything.
Hydro electric is less than 30% of Maine’s energy. They’re expanding it but it’s very expensive. Natural gas is also about a third of their energy which is what they need to replace to be fully renewable. Wind power already makes up another third, expanding it makes a lot of sense.