The U.S. state of Maine has moved to delay its first planned floating offshore wind solicitation amid what regulators described as significant uncertainty in the offshore wind sector due to recent changes in the energy landscape.
Under state law, the Governor’s Energy Office (GEO) was required to launch the solicitation by July 1, unless a delay was agreed with the Maine Public Utility Commission (PUC). In June, the GEO formally requested an extension from the PUC.
GEO Director Dan Burgess said in a letter that with the extension, the office will continue collaborating with the commission, state agencies, tribal groups, and stakeholders to develop a “robust offshore wind energy solicitation that advances the industry and protects ratepayers.”
Burgess added, “The state will continue investment in responsible offshore wind research and development, such as through the stakeholder-based Maine Offshore Wind Research Consortium.”
The decision reflects broader challenges facing the offshore wind industry in the United States amid shifting market and regulatory conditions.
