First of four renewable energy projects to go online this year

The state’s largest solar project to date is expected to come online later this year, according to The Maine Public Utilities Commission.

The Bangor Daily News reported that the project currently planned for the Waldo County town of Monroe is one of four pilot projects across the state that, pending local approval, will enter long-term contracts with Maine’s two largest utilities companies.

A key part of qualifying for the pilot project is that a qualifying company must have a majority stake in the project. 

The breakdowns of the proposed renewable energy projects that are part of the PUC pilot program are:

• Monroe, Waldo County: 9.9-megawatt solar farm, 70% ownership held by Cianbro Development Corp., 30% by solar developer Clear Energy LLC. Fall 2016 is the anticipated completion date.
• Searsmont, Waldo County: 7.5-megawatt biomass system using wood waste from Robbins Lumber sawmills and local logging contractors, Georges River Energy is a majority stakeholder. Early 2018 is the anticipated completion date.
• Limestone, Aroostook County: 10-megawatt wind power project, Shamrock Partners is a majority stakeholder. Late 2018 is the anticipated completion date.
• Dover-Foxcroft, Piscataquis County: 396-kilowatt combined solar and hydropower system, Mayo Mill LLC is a majority stakeholder. Fall 2016 is the anticipated completion date.

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