Location of the Maine Aqua Ventus Turbines

The answer to this FAQ was provided by Maine Aqua Ventus.

Q: Where will the turbines be deployed and how big will they be?

A:  The turbines would be located at the State of Maine selected Deepwater Offshore Wind Test Site in State waters approximately 2.5 miles south of Monhegan Island, Lincoln County, Maine and about 12 miles off the mainland. Water depths in the area range from 180 to 360 feet. The site is approximately 1.1 miles wide and 2.1 miles long and is bounded at the southern edge by the three-nautical-mile line, which is the extent of State of Maine waters.

Currently, at a 50% of complete design the turbine rotor diameter is 495 feet and the hub height (tower + floating platform) above water level  would be approximately 328 feet for a maximum blade height of approximately 576 feet above the water.  These dimensions may be refined as the design is finalized to 100% over the next year.

The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), a US Department of Energy National Laboratory,  performed a visual assessment study of the turbines at the test site. PNNL created simulated views of the turbines from multiple locations on Monhegan Island (see photograph locations below). Daytime visual simulations for Station 4 and Station 11 are provided below and were located near the south and north ends of Monhegan Island, respectively.

During periods of clear weather, the turbines and floating platforms would be visible during the day as small-sized structures on the horizon from vantage points throughout Monhegan Island that have an unobstructed view to the south. The range of natural visibility would vary with the season, daily meteorology, and time of day. It should be noted that visual simulations were also created for points in town (e.g., The Wharf, Horn Hill, the Lighthouse, Fish Beach) and the turbines will not be visible from those locations.

Click the images below to enlarge them.

 

Locations of Visual Simulation Photos from Monhegan Island. Locations 4 and 11 are shown below. Click to enlarge.

 

View of the Maine Aqua Ventus I project from near Norton’s Ledge facing due south. This image includes a silhouette of the 65-foot Laura B for scale. Click to enlarge.

 

Visualization 03
View of the Maine Aqua Ventus I project from Squeakers Cove facing due south. This image includes a silhouette of the 65-foot Laura B for scale. Click to enlarge.