PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • March 1, 2023
Offshore wind research and development in Maine started more than 15 years ago as a response to the critical challenges of climate change and overreliance on fossil fuels burdening Maine businesses and communities. Researchers at the University of Maine wanted to find a way to locally produce renewable energy that would preserve Maine’s environment and protect Mainers from the volatile price spikes caused by dependence on heating oil and natural gas. The result of UMaine’s innovation is VolturnUS, patented floating offshore wind technology designed to be built in Maine by Maine workers. This Maine-made technology presents the opportunity of a century. In my 30 years at the Maine Chamber, I’ve rarely seen as many different interests come together in agreement on an issue as they have united on Maine-made offshore wind. ~ Dana Connors, Maine State Chamber of Commerce