Membership of the University of Maine DeepCwind Deepwater Offshore Wind Consortium as of October 2009 (source: BDN):
Universities, government and nonprofit agencies
University of Maine — AEWC Advanced Structures & Composites Center (Lead)
University of New Hampshire
Maine Maritime Academy
Northern Maine Community College
University of Western Australia
U.S. Department of Energy
Governor’s Office of Energy Independence & Security
Maine Department of Economic and Community Development
Maine Department of Environmental Protection
Ocean Energy Institute
New Jersey Audubon Society
Island Institute
Gulf of Maine Research Institute
Siting, design and fabrication operations
Cianbro Corp.
Bath Iron Works
Bernstein Shur Counselors at Law
James W. Sewall Co.
Kleinschmidt Associates
Technip USA
McNiff Light Industry
Santos Wind Energy Technology (SWEeT)
Principle Power Inc.
Bangor-Hydro Electric Co.
American Superconductor
Northern Power Systems
Clean Energy Design
Composites Materials Industry
Ashland Inc.
Kenway Corp.
Harbor Technologies
PPG Industries
Owens Corning
Zoltek
Polystrand Inc.
Industry partners, organizations and manufacturing automation
MAG International
Maine Composites Alliance
Simmons & Company International
American Composites Manufacturers Association
Maine Wind Energy Initiative
I do agree with your opinion that the Maine taxpayer should be concerned. The technology development aspect is worth experimenting and deserves limited funding. However, I fear that there is a "railroad" mentality around this issue and it is being promoted by high visibility people. The risk is Maine, a state with limited resources, will get in over its head.
ReplyDeleteAs far as offshore wind development having a significant impact on regional wind systems beyond localized impact is a stretch. You had better hang on to your wallet, that is the only thing that is going to effected by massive deepwater wind development. Localized, community-based energy solutions should make up our energy future. However, no one in our state government is pushing this beyond a campaign speech.