Renewable Energy

Why Renewable Energy Matters for Maine

Maine-made renewable energy, like responsibly sited solar and wind, will deliver more reliable, affordable energy to Mainers, help reduce our reliance on expensive oil and gas, and meet growing energy demand as we invest in more efficient solutions like heat pumps. Renewable energy development must bring new, additional sources of energy to our electric grid and be thoughtful and well‑planned, balancing proven climate benefits with benefits to local communities and protection of our woods, waters, and wildlife.

Clean, affordable energy for Maine means:

Energy independence and resilience, especially for rural and coastal communities

• Lower long‑term energy costs by reducing reliance on imported fuels
• Economic benefits, including good-paying local jobs and community benefits that invest in local infrastructure and reduce the burden on taxpayers
• Energy independence and resilience, especially for rural and coastal communities
• Cleaner air and water, improving public health, and reducing pollution fueling climate change

Solar Energy

Solar power is one of Maine’s most promising, reliable, and accessible clean energy sources for homeowners, local businesses, municipalities, and other institutions. Widespread adoption and technological improvements have dramatically reduced solar costs, especially compared with oil and gas. NRCM supports policies that expand access to affordable solar, especially for local businesses, municipalities, and schools, and low‑ and moderate‑income households and renters. This includes rooftop solar, community solar projects, and larger utility-scale solar projects.

Wind Energy

Wind energy—both onshore and offshore—is our best opportunity to meet growing electricity demand while reducing our reliance on expensive and volatile fossil fuel energy generation. Wind is one of Maine’s most abundant, homegrown resources and is essential for meeting the state’s clean energy and climate goals.

Northern and western Maine have some of the strongest onshore wind resources in New England, while the Gulf of Maine has some of the strongest and most consistent winds in the world, making offshore wind uniquely suited to provide large amounts of reliable, clean electricity

Wind power helps reduce harmful air pollution, lowers long‑term energy costs, and advances Maine’s energy independence when developed responsibly. NRCM has been directly involved in shaping Maine’s wind energy laws, project siting standards, and community protections for nearly two decades.

Wind energy—developed responsibly and thoughtfully—is essential to Maine’s environmental, economic, and energy future. By tapping Maine’s exceptional wind resources while protecting wildlife, communities, and working waterfronts, wind power can deliver cleaner air, more affordable electricity, and long‑lasting economic opportunity for Maine people.

Renewable Energy Standard and State Energy Policy

Maine’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) has played a major role in expanding renewable generation, creating new jobs, and saving electricity customers money. 

In 2025, Maine adopted a new goal to reach 100% clean electricity by 2040 to stabilize energy costs, reduce fossil fuel dependence, and keep billions of dollars currently spent on imported oil and gas circulating in Maine’s economy.

By expanding clean, responsibly sited renewable energy; improving efficiency; and modernizing energy policy, Maine can reduce costs, cut climate pollution, protect public health, and build a more diverse energy system. 

NRCM continues to work at the Legislature, in regulatory proceedings, and with communities statewide to ensure that renewable energy projects benefit Maine people while safeguarding the natural resources that define our state.