Sen. Vitelli applauds latest round of renewable energy projects for Maine

AUGUSTA — Sen. Eloise Vitelli, D-Arrowsic, is celebrating an announcement today from the Maine Public Utilities Commission of an additional seven long-term renewable energy contracts. The approved projects include six new solar projects and one existing wind project, all of which are or will be located within the state. The contracts are required under a bill passed in the 129th Legislature, LD 1494, “An Act To Reform Maine’s Renewable Portfolio Standard,” which was sponsored by Sen. Vitelli and signed into law in 2019.

“Using renewable energy sources is one of the best ways we can combat climate change. Improving Maine’s energy independence by supporting these projects will also help us protect our environment and natural resources for generations to come. In addition, these new projects will create more good-paying jobs in our growing green-energy industry,” said Sen. Vitelli. “I’m encouraged by the progress we’re seeing.”

The PUC selected projects through a competitive process and evaluated projects based on the expected value they will provide to Maine consumers and the state’s economy. The projects receiving an award in this decision represent solar, wind, hydro-electric and biomass projects, all of which would be located in Maine, including one in Sagadahoc County.

According to the PUC, the projects are estimated to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 260,000 tons per year, create 175 full-time equivalent jobs during the construction phase and 14 full-time equivalent jobs in each year of the operations phase, and contribute millions of dollars to Maine’s economy over the 20-year contract period.

LD 1494 set the goal of reaching 80 percent renewable energy by 2030 and 100 percent renewable energy by 2050. The projects approved by the PUC represent a major step toward reaching those renewable energy goals.