Environment & Climate
Maine regulators select developers for 800 MW wind farm and regional transmission line
Clearway Energy and Avangrid Networks were chosen for northern Maine energy projects intended to expand state onshore wind capacity by roughly 66%.
The short version
- The Maine Public Utilities Commission picked Clearway Energy to construct an 800 MW wind farm in Aroostook County and Avangrid Networks to build a 1,200 MW transmission line.
- Maine plans to purchase 600 MW of the power, with the remaining 200 MW allocated to other New England states that are sharing transmission costs.
- The state projects between $387 million and $425 million in net ratepayer benefits, though final contracts, federal approvals, and environmental permits are still required before construction begins.
Key facts
- The Maine Public Utilities Commission selected Clearway Energy to build an 800-megawatt onshore wind project in southeastern Aroostook County.[Electrek]
- Avangrid Networks was selected to develop a 1,200-megawatt transmission line terminating at Haynesville to connect northern Maine to the regional ISO New England grid.[Electrek]
- Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Vermont are participating in the procurement, leaving Maine responsible for under 11% of the transmission line expenses.[Electrek]
- As of October 2025, Maine had 1,214 megawatts of onshore wind capacity, which the new installation would increase by approximately 66%.[Electrek]
- The commission estimates the developments will create over 2,500 construction jobs across four years and produce more than $2.4 billion in economic output.[Electrek]
What remains uncertain
- The projects are contingent upon the successful negotiation of power purchase agreements, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission review, local permitting, and environmental clearance.[Electrek]
- The timeline for construction and operational launch remains unset following the collapse of a similar procurement effort in late 2023 caused by failed transmission talks.[Electrek]