MAINE PUBLIC • February 25, 2022
An energy company that operates renewable power projects overseas is trying to expand its U.S. footprint, here in Maine. Convalt Energy is proposing a $5 billion energy generation and transmission project headquartered in East Millinocket. On Thursday Convalt CEO Harry Achuthan signed an agreement with the Katahdin Region Economic Development Corp. and the Lincoln Lakes Innovation Corporation to collaborate on the power and transmission project, called the Maine Energy Corridor. He says it could create a thousand jobs. Achuthan envisions solar, biomass and waste-to-energy plants in northern Maine funneling electricity through an underground, high-voltage direct-current line starting in the Millinocket area. It would follow public roads and existing transmission lines 400 miles or more, to serve customers in Maine, New England and beyond. It could take seven years to get to project completion.