Shifting current | A guide to the alternative energy plans around Maine
In 2006, Mainebiz published a map of the new alternative energy proposals in the state. While some of those projects have fallen by the wayside, many others - from tidal power proposals in Kittery to LNG terminals in Calais - are still working their way through the permitting process.
But in just the past year, a bevy of new projects has cropped up. "There are more people scrambling to look at potential sites for wind and for tidal power, and a lot more conversation and discussion at the state level," says Jeff Thaler, an energy attorney at Bernstein Shur in Portland. "For developers, people are just getting into the pipeline."
Here's a status update on the projects making headlines these days:
APPROVED PROJECTS:
East Millinocket: Katahdin Paper Co.’s mill here in July switched from an oil boiler to a biomass boiler to save money. The company’s Millinocket plant, however, wasn’t so lucky (see “Stalled projects”).
Kibby Mountain: The state’s Land Use Regulation Commission in January approved a $320 million, 44-turbine wind farm here by developer TransCanada.
Mars Hill: Maine’s first wind farm, a 28-turbine project built by Massachusetts-based developer First Wind, was completed in March 2007.
Stetson Mountain: LURC in January approved a 38-turbine wind farm here, developed by First Wind, which currently is under construction.
Saco: The city council here in the past year has voted to erect two municipal wind turbines.
Bethel: Entrepreneur Les Otten this May launched Maine Energy Systems, which plans to sell wood pellet boilers and distribute pellets.
PROPOSED PROJECTS:
Orrington: Augusta-based Central Maine Power in July finalized plans to invest $1.4 billion in upgrades to its transmission lines, including a 345-mile line from here to New Hampshire. At the same time, CMP and Presque Isle-based Maine Public Service Co. announced a joint proposal to build a high-capacity transmission line to connect southern and northern Maine.
Calais: Developer Calais LNG proposed locating an LNG terminal here in 2005.
Pleasant Point: The Passamaquoddy Tribe in July was awarded a $120,000 grant from the federal government for tidal power tests.
Eastport: Ocean Renewable Power Co. in April began generating electricity with underwater turbines at testing sites in Cobscook and Passamaquoddy bays.
Offshore: Boston-based Blue H USA in August expressed its interest in locating a 90-turbine floating wind farm in the Gulf of Maine.
Fort Fairfield: Texas-based developer Horizon Wind Energy opened an office in Presque Isle in June and is eyeing various locations in Aroostook County for a number of wind projects that could include as many as 400 wind turbines.
Lincoln: Evergreen Wind Power LLC, a subsidiary of Massachusetts-based First Wind, in June said it plans to spend $22 million to build a 40-turbine wind farm in and around Lincoln by 2009.
Kittery: Town officials in January approved the construction of a wind turbine at its transfer station.
South Portland: The Maine Renewable Energy Consortium in August unveiled its preliminary plan to build a $60 million plant that would create energy from wood chips. If approved, construction could start next year.
STALLED PROJECTS:
Millinocket: After months of uncertainty, Katahdin Paper Co. shut down its mill here on Sept. 2. But officials said it could reopen in 2009 if a biomass boiler replaced the current oil-burning boiler.
Old Town: Red Shield Environmental’s plan to build an ethanol production plant hit a snag this year when the company in June filed for bankruptcy due to high wood chip and fuel prices.
Robbinston: Developer Downeast LNG, based in Washington, D.C., last September temporarily withdrew its application for an LNG terminal here, citing critical missing information.
Pleasant Point: Oklahoma-based developer Quoddy Bay LNG in July postponed the state review of its application for an LNG terminal to work out details.
SCRAPPED PROJECTS:
Millinocket: Harpswell-based Peregrine Technologies lined up financing for a $50 million biomass boiler, but scrapped the project when ISO-New England in June said the power grid was maxed out.
Wiscasset: Voters in November 2007 turned down an ordinance to allow a $1.5 billion coal gasification plant here. A recent state law bans development of coal-fueled power plants until 2011.
Redington: LURC in January rejected developer Maine Mountain Power’s proposed 54-turbine wind farm on Black Nubble Mountain, saying its location would harm rare flora and fauna in the area and blight views from the nearby Appalachian Trail.
Mindy Favreau, Mainebiz staff reporter, can be reached at mfavreau@mainebiz.biz.
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