In November 2020, Maine announced plans to develop the array. With only a few floating offshore wind arrays operating in the world, the research array is needed to conduct important technological, operational, and scientific research to inform future floating offshore wind projects in the Gulf of Maine.
The research array will provide critical firsthand experience with a multi-turbine array, which will unlock greater understanding of how future floating wind farms will integrate with the marine environment and existing ocean uses.
With offshore wind development being accelerated by Federal and State policies, Maine's research array will facilitate groundbreaking research in floating offshore wind by identifying opportunities and challenges to existing uses, developing methods to avoid and minimize impacts to the ecosystem, and identifying ways to lower the cost of floating offshore wind energy.
A decision from the Federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) on Maine’s research array lease is expected in 2024, after which a full development process including permitting will take place, with several opportunities for public comment.