USA: Maine Aqua Ventus Releases Public Version of MPUC Proposal

Maine Aqua Ventus Releases Public Version of MPUC Proposal

 Maine Aqua Ventus GP LLC released yesterday the public version of its proposal to develop a groundbreaking offshore wind project in the Gulf of Maine, called Maine Aqua Ventus I.

This follows the last-month’s ruling by the Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC), according to which Maine Aqua Ventus should release some of the details on its offshore wind project proposal by the end of October.

Even though Maine Aqua Ventus argued that this would harm its chances for a $46 million energy grant, the ruling was not changed.

This project is competing against other projects located in New Jersey, Virginia, Texas, Ohio and Oregon.

“The PUC power-purchase agreement is the next step in securing the DOE grant, which is critical for the success of this important project for our state,” said Jake Ward, speaking for Maine Aqua Ventus I.

Maine Aqua Ventus  worked with the PUC staff to determine what has to be released and what can remain confidential. This public version does not contain technically-sensitive information or information reserved for the forthcoming Term Sheet, in compliance with PUC precedent. The Term Sheet will be released in the next few weeks after Maine Aqua Ventus I GP LLC and the PUC agree on terms, which are still in the final stages of negotiation.

The published document describes:

  • The project partnership and provides information on companies involved in this project.
  • The U.S. Department of Energy grant process – which calls for a pilot offshore wind project to demonstrate advanced technology to lower energy costs.
  • The project’s technology in detail, including the floating submersible concrete hulls and the 270-foot-tall composite tower.
  • Two 6 MW direct drive, permanent magnet turbines, which are designed for offshore projects.
  • Maine Aqua Ventus I will be constructed on land and dockside reducing risk and cost.
  • The data collection process that will follow the demonstration phase and suggest technological and process improvements toward reaching the DOE goal of 10 cent per kilowatt hour energy by the 2030s.
  • Maine Aqua Ventus GP LLC’s commitment to supplying Monhegan Island with electricity to meet its current needs at no generation cost to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels generation which is priced at 70 cents per kilowatt-hour. It also describes the transmission line that will run from Monhegan to the mainland (and connect the island to both the electric grid and to high-speed internet service).
  • That Maine Aqua Ventus I will be constructed and assembled at Maine ports, of which there are several options, and that the transmission line will connect with the electric grid near Bristol.

Offshore WIND staff, November 7, 2013; Image: maineaquaventus