The varsity’s Advanced Structures and Composites Center will evaluate sensor systems and controls for installation of a floating turbine in the Gulf of Maine during mid-2013.
Initiated as part of a DeepCwind Consortium project that comprises 30 commercial partners, if successful, the project will represent the first grid-connected offshore turbine in the US.
UMaine Advanced Structures and Composites Center director Habib Dagher said, "We’re here at the beginning of an exciting era that could create a whole new industry in our state, and reduce our reliance on imported fuels."
Senator Susan Collins added, "Maine has been at the forefront of deepwater floating turbine technology, and I am confident Maine will be at the forefront of making deepwater offshore wind a hallmark of U.S. innovation."
The consortium plans to set up a commercial-scale park with an installed capacity of around 500MW from over 80 turbines spread across 8 miles on securing an approval of the pilot.
