EDP Renewables (EDPR) is a global producer of solar power and wind energy. It is the world’s fourth-largest producer of wind generation, with more than 270 wind farms, 61 of which are located in North America. With more than 11,400 MW of renewables in operation in North America, it ranks among the top five domestic companies by renewable capacity.
It contributes more affordable, environmentally friendly energy options to local communities and further benefits them by creating jobs ranging from blade and tower manufacturing and construction to operations and maintenance positions. Each project brings in infrastructure investment and generates rent payments for landowners and local and property taxes for the community. EDPR North America (EDPR NA) has allocated $16.8 billion in capital investment across the U.S. and paid $560 million to local landowners and $529 million to local governments. These investments also created 10,300 construction jobs and more than 670 permanent operations jobs in the country. In addition, the company also invests in the community, including local associations, youth organizations, schools, and universities.
Photo Courtesy EDP Renewables North America
Maine is one state that has significantly benefited from EDPR North America’s (EDPR NA) dedication to local communities over more than twenty years. As of the beginning of this year, the company has 367 megawatts (MW) of utility-scale wind farms and community solar arrays in development. These projects will provide enough electricity for over 160,000 residences in the state and save over 652 million gallons of water annually.
The projects equate to about $1.1 billion in capital investment, with the company spending over $30 million within the state during their lifecycles. As a result, more than $228 million will be paid to local governments and more than $1 million to local landowners. These wind and solar installations will generate 1,200 construction jobs and 40 permanent operations jobs.
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The benefits will be spread all over the state. The biggest of the announcements, Number Nine Wind Farm’s 350 MW of installed capacity in Aroostook County, will benefit over 156,000 residences in northern Maine and save over 622 million gallons of water annually. The company will also build a new 162-mile, 345-kilovolt transmission line to enable generated energy to reach southern Maine, creating even more opportunities for clean energy development. The farm’s 70 turbines are compatible with other land uses and, therefore, are placed in commercial timberland. As a result, local landowners will see a significant new income source via lease and easement agreements. Plus, up to 12 permanent jobs will go to local community members.
Photo Courtesy EDP Renewables North America
In terms of solar, a 0.975 megawatt (MWac) project will be located in Dover-Foxcroft, and further to the southeast, a 1.99 MWac project will be in Bar Harbor. To the southwest, a 0.995 MWac will spring up in Livermore Falls, joined by a 0.995 MWac project in Yarmouth, a 0.999 MWac project in Westbrook Rocky Hill, and a 0.975 MWac project in Westbrook Sandy Hill.
In February, EDPR NA completed the 3.4 MWac Bristol I Community Solar project in southern Maine. This project generated enough electricity for 400 subscribers, including residences and small businesses. Together with Bristol Community Solar II, it will account for 4.425 MWac. With this project’s addition, EDPR NA now has 32 community solar projects spanning six states, totaling 61 MWac.
Since 2023, Bristol Community Solar I has generated $123,000 in tax payments that have gone toward meeting schools’ needs, improving public safety, and maintaining roads. The project generated 40 construction jobs, and the company collaborated with Midcoast Solar, a local developer, and E&S Electric Company, a local construction organization, emphasizing their work with local contractors and consultants.
Maine-based members of EDPR’s team also contributed to the project. David Kane, Director of Development for EDPR NA Distributed Generated (EDPR NA DG), noted in a press release, “As a proud Mainer, I’m honored not only to have been part of the development team for Bristol I, but to be a customer of the project as well. Maine is among the leading states in the energy transition with more than 600 MW of solar now connected to the grid.” Through their investments and projects, EDP Renewables (EDPR) continues to bring a wealth of opportunities to Maine’s economy and workforce.
Photo Courtesy EDP Renewables North America
