KENNEBEC JOURNAL • February 22, 2024
With Tuesday’s announcement that the state intends to locate a port on Sears Island to support offshore wind construction, the Mills administration provides hope that, at long last, Maine can build something big. The recent track record has not been encouraging. Voters in a 2021 referendum canceled a $1 billion power line to Canada for hydroelectricity that while later reinstated in court has yet to resume construction due largely to rising costs. A similarly ambitious line to connect the proposed King Pine wind project in Aroostook County also fell by the wayside when the developer pulled out, citing municipal and landowner opposition. The Searsport fabrication, maintenance and shipping terminal represents the next best chance to position Maine firmly toward putting substantial amounts of renewable energy into homes, businesses and industry — and powering larger fleets of electric vehicles. ~ Douglas Rooks