New England Aqua Ventus I is an approximately 11 Megawatt (MW) floating offshore wind pilot project to develop a clean, renewable energy source off Maine’s shores.
This demonstration project is unique in that it will mount an approximately 11 MW wind turbine to a floating semisubmersible concrete hull called the VolturnUS, designed by the Advanced Structures and Composites Center at the University of Maine. The patented VolturnUS hull technology has been demonstrated in independent reports to reduce the cost of offshore wind. The turbine is held in position by three marine mooring lines securely anchored to the seabed, and connected by subsea cable to the Maine power grid.
The project goals are to demonstrate the innovative design of the VolturnUS with a full-size offshore wind turbine, work with local contractors and manufacturers to generate local economic benefit, create and keep Maine jobs in Maine, and provide renewable energy now and in the future.