A Guest Blog By:
Dan Burgess
This time of year, if you haven’t tapped the maple trees in your backyard you’re missing out on precious sap that can be turned into delicious homemade maple syrup. This tradition is just one in a long list of many in which Maine residents get the most of the natural resources that Maine’s land offers.
Similarly, if you haven’t explored the potential renewable energy resources around your home, you’re losing out. While it is well known that Maine is resource rich in areas such as coastal beauty and forestry, not many are aware that Maine also has the potential to be a regional capital of clean energy production.
In fact, Maine is already a leader in biomass electricity production, third in the nation, and creates over 22% of its electricity through hydroelectric sources. A recent report also indicates that with the right investments, Maine could become a permanent leader in wind power. This study, released by the United States Department of Energy and highlighted by PretiFlaherty (http://www.preti.com/DOE-Study-on-Wind-Generation-Potential), shows that Maine has the highest potential for wind power generation in New England. This finding is crucial to the energy future for Maine residents as their energy costs are some of the highest per person in the United States.
Included in this report from the DOE, is a map that indicates the high wind areas in the state of Maine. See if you can find where you live and work on the Maine wind map (http://www.windpoweringamerica.gov/images/windmaps/me_80m.jpg ). This map offers a good macro view of high wind locations, but be aware that many areas not highlighted on the map are also great candidates for smaller wind systems. The only way to be sure of the potential your land has is to find out for yourself, and a great way to start is by contacting a local company like Evolo Energy Solutions.
The next time you're out harvesting the sap from your trees, imagine the other resource you could be tapping into. Maple syrup isn't the only sweet asset that you could be enjoying!
Dan Burgess was born and raised in Maine and earned his Bachelors Degree in business management from the University of Maine at Orono. He currently lives in Cambridge, MA and is working towards his Masters Degree in Public Administration at Northeastern University
