Please do not leave this page until complete. This can take a few moments.
With high fuel costs and aging electrical infrastructure, many of Maine's 15 year-round islands are leveraging new technologies to ensure energy sustainable futures.
Islesboro, which received an Island Energy Innovation Award this year from Rockland's Island Institute, is a prime example.
Initiatives since 2012 include installation of a large photovoltaic array, offsetting over half of municipal electrical energy usage; LED lighting retrofits at Islesboro Central School and a solar project to power the school greenhouse; creation of an energy team by the select board; and weatherization and interior storm window inserts in dozens of homes. The team plans energy audits to drive future planning, including expansion of municipal solar and replacing street lighting with LEDs, says Toby Martin, chair of the Islesboro Energy Committee.
Collaboration within and between island communities is key, says Martin. Islesboro has a variety of energy-related groups that tackle efficiencies at the individual, community and school levels and network with state, national and international energy proponents and providers.
“You pick up ideas as you go along and, out of that, you work out something that works for your island,” he says. “No island answers their energy questions the same way. You have Isle au Haut, with a plan to go independent with their own solar array. They've realized the cable that connects them with the mainland is going to fail. Other islands have generators of various kinds. Everyone does it differently and they're all working toward the same goal — cut costs, be as self-sufficient as possible, lower emissions.”
Other islands are taking steps toward energy independence:
Read more
Isle au Haut to build solar-powered smart energy microgrid
Expanded energy training center signals growing demand for skilled technicians
Fiberight waste-to-energy site to convert tons of trash to energy or recycling
Summit Natural Gas of Maine project nears the five-year finish line
CMP aims to deliver Canadian hydropower to Bay State utilities by 2022
Maine Aqua Ventus offshore wind power project faces delays, uncertainty
Maine colleges continue to tackle energy sustainability
Electric vehicle public infrastructure coming to Maine as state reduces dependence on fossil fuels
Isle au Haut to build solar-powered smart energy microgrid
Expanded energy training center signals growing demand for skilled technicians
Fiberight waste-to-energy site to convert tons of trash to energy or recycling
Summit Natural Gas of Maine project nears the five-year finish line
CMP aims to deliver Canadian hydropower to Bay State utilities by 2022
Maine Aqua Ventus offshore wind power project faces delays, uncertainty
Maine colleges continue to tackle energy sustainability
Electric vehicle public infrastructure coming to Maine as state reduces dependence on fossil fuels
The Giving Guide helps nonprofits have the opportunity to showcase and differentiate their organizations so that businesses better understand how they can contribute to a nonprofit’s mission and work.
Learn MoreWork for ME is a workforce development tool to help Maine’s employers target Maine’s emerging workforce. Work for ME highlights each industry, its impact on Maine’s economy, the jobs available to entry-level workers, the training and education needed to get a career started.
Learn MoreFew people are adequately prepared for all the tasks involved in planning and providing care for aging family members. SeniorSmart provides an essential road map for navigating the process. This resource guide explores the myriad of care options and offers essential information on topics ranging from self-care to legal and financial preparedness.
Learn moreThe Giving Guide helps nonprofits have the opportunity to showcase and differentiate their organizations so that businesses better understand how they can contribute to a nonprofit’s mission and work.
Work for ME is a workforce development tool to help Maine’s employers target Maine’s emerging workforce. Work for ME highlights each industry, its impact on Maine’s economy, the jobs available to entry-level workers, the training and education needed to get a career started.
Few people are adequately prepared for all the tasks involved in planning and providing care for aging family members. SeniorSmart provides an essential road map for navigating the process. This resource guide explores the myriad of care options and offers essential information on topics ranging from self-care to legal and financial preparedness.
In order to use this feature, we need some information from you. You can also login or register for a free account.
By clicking submit you are agreeing to our cookie usage and Privacy Policy
Already have an account? Login
Already have an account? Login
Want to create an account? Register
In order to use this feature, we need some information from you. You can also login or register for a free account.
By clicking submit you are agreeing to our cookie usage and Privacy Policy
Already have an account? Login
Already have an account? Login
Want to create an account? Register
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Our privacy policy
To ensure the best experience on our website, articles cannot be read without allowing cookies. Please allow cookies to continue reading. Our privacy policy
Comments