Maine

Electrification

Electric boats splash down in rural Maine’s coastal waters

Battery-powered vessels are catching on in the U.S. and globally as the tech improves. In Maine’s Casco Bay, early adopters are using e-boats on oyster farms.

By Julia Tilton, Maria Gallucci .

15 September 2025

Willy Leathers, an oyster farmer, navigates his all-electric workboat in Maine's Casco Bay. (Julia Tilton/The Daily Yonder)

Clean energy

Maine moves to fast-track clean energy before federal tax credits expire

The state is prioritizing projects built on PFAS-contaminated land as it looks to kickstart installations that can help it reach 100% clean energy by 2040.

By Sarah Shemkus . 24 July 2025
Wind

Is wind power finally coming to Maine’s remote north?

After more than a decade of fits and starts, developers are forming new plans for onshore wind and transmission lines to connect it to the New England grid.

By Sarah Shemkus . 7 July 2025
Solar

Bill in Maine could threaten community solar, driving away developers

The legislation would impose monthly fees on community solar operators, changing the rules for existing projects and making the state a “pariah” for investors.

By Sarah Shemkus . 12 June 2025
Heat pumps

Maine is training an army of HVAC pros to meet its heat pump goals

Heat pump installation and other clean energy jobs are growing in the state. Can its workforce development efforts keep up?

By Kristian Moravec . 23 May 2025
Energy efficiency

Has Maine learned how to make heat pumps lower electricity costs for all?

Heat pump adoption in the state has soared. Now a new state energy-efficiency plan aims to accelerate the trend to cut emissions and control power prices.

By Sarah Shemkus . 14 May 2025
Solar

Solar is not the culprit for Maine’s high utility bills, despite claims

As debate about net energy billing heats up, the numbers show the state’s solar incentive program is not to blame for rising power costs.

By Sarah Shemkus . 4 March 2025
ENN

Maine governor proposes cabinet-level department focused on energy needs and goals

The department would lead on energy policy, security, procurement, and other matters that grow more critical as the state pursues its emissions goals.

By AnnMarie Hilton . 10 January 2025
Clean industry

Lasers could help cut CO2 emissions from Maine’s paper and pulp mills

The Worcester Polytechnic Institute is testing a new industrial drying technique that uses lasers instead of gas furnaces to dry paper, pulp, and other materials.

By Sarah Shemkus . 22 November 2024
Offshore wind

Gulf of Maine offshore wind lease sale brings in $21.9 million in bids

Avangrid Renewables and Invenergy won the leases, which could enable the development of up to 6.8 gigawatts of floating offshore wind in Maine’s deep coastal waters.

By Carrie Klein . 29 October 2024
ENN

Maine faces lawsuit for failing to adopt EV mandates, the latest state-level climate court case

Experts say a narrow focus on specific state laws and emissions sectors shows promise as a tactic in climate litigation, with wins for plaintiffs in comparable cases in Hawaii, Montana and Massachusetts.

By Annie Ropeik . 28 August 2024