Statoil has signalled that it is moving ahead with plans for an offshore wind energy pilot project in the Gulf of Maine.
As a test site for more extensive development of offshore wind energy production, the Norwegian energy group proposes to moor four floating turbines in federal waters off the coast of Maine to generate 12MW.
The Maine Public Utilities Commission voted 2-1 in January to accept Statoil’s revised terms to sell electricity generated by the project, called Hywind Maine, to Central Maine Power Co.
The next phase of project planning includes environmental impact studies and consultations with commercial fishermen. The final investment decision is expected late 2014.
If Statoil decides next year to move ahead with Hywind Maine, the target date for installation of floating turbines would be 2016.
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