”Broadband access is increasingly critical in contemporary society, with significant implications for economic development, education and quality of life,” said UMaine President Paul Ferguson. “We look forward to working with collaborators to forge even stronger connections with the neighboring communities that depend on meaningful linkages with the University of Maine.”

Gig.U, a coalition of 36 other colleges located in areas lacking high-speed connectivity, including the universities of Nebraska and Oklahoma, recently invited the private sector to work with UMaine and the rest of the coalition to develop broadband in the area.
UMaine is the first university in New England to join the coalition.

“With development of new natural and functional nanomaterials, UMaine will be recognized as an innovator in novel cellulose nanofibril processing,” said FBRI Director and UMaine Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering Hemant Pendse, one of the researchers involved with the project. “UMaine will have the ability to process cellulose nanofibrils in ways that open up new markets and applications for cellulose nanocomposites.”

The pilot plant, which is being funded by a $1.5 million grant from the U.S. Forest Service, will be the only one of its kind in the nation, and will serve as a source of the material for those who want to explore the uses of cellulose nanofibrils (CNF). Currently, researchers and industrial companies who want to buy the material purchase it from sources in Japan and Germany.

UMaine is involved in the project with a consortium of six other universities and the Forest Products Laboratory (FPL). Last April, UMaine and FPL began a research collaboration on the conversion of wood components into novel nanomaterials, the incorporation of an array of nanomaterials into forest products to increase their functionality, durability, and end use performance, and the development of new generations of high-performance wood-based materials. UMaine will be the sole supplier of CNF to researchers from other universities in the consortium, which include the Georgia Institute of Technology, North Carolina State University, Oregon State University, Pennsylvania State University, Purdue University and University of Tennessee.

Sean Ireland, of pulp and paper industry group TAPPI and Verso Paper in Bucksport, is also involved in the consortium.

Applications for the CNF material include automobile components, paint and coating additives, and water filters. Development and commercialization have been hampered by the lack of availability of CNF material in sufficient quantities to conduct meaningful technology demonstrations. This project will address this need by scaling up the mechanical laboratory preparation method to a pilot-scale operation.

The grant will fund the purchase of an ultrafine grinder, a piece of equipment which breaks down cellulose-based pulp into a water-based slurry, and a pilot-scale spray dryer, which uses gases to dry the material. The ultrafine grinder will be able to produce about 1,000 pounds of material a day in slurry form. The drying process will produce approximately 1-2 pounds of dry material per day.

Both pieces of equipment are expected to be in place next spring in Jenness Hall, the home of UMaine’s Process Development Center and FBRI. UMaine already has an operational bench-scale ultrafine grinder.

Cellulose nanofibril material is valued because of its strength – a strand of it is as strong as a synthetic fiber such as Kevlar. It takes on different properties depending on how it is dried. When a sample of the CNF slurry is dried with heat, the material becomes hard and strong, and can be cut into different shapes and sizes. When freeze-dried, the material is super-absorbent and insulating.

The cellulose nanofibrils are about 1,000 times smaller than paper fibers. The material can be made from any source that contains cellulose, such as wood, grasses, and corn or wheat straw.

“If you can make products from nanofibrillated cellulose that normally use plastic, you can reduce the use of petroleum,” said Doug Bousfield, UMaine professor of chemical and biological engineering and director of the Paper Surface Science Program who is also collaborating on the project and has already incorporated cellulose nanofibrils in paper coatings. “It makes sense for Maine, and that’s what’s exciting about it. There is a long list of ideas but it takes resources to try them out. What this project does is put the equipment in place to generate a lot of raw material with which people can experiment.”

UMaine already produces some cellulose nanofibrils via both mechanical means and chemical means, the latter of which produces cellulose nanocrystals.

Doug Gardner, a UMaine professor of wood science and technology and the head of the Nanocomposites Research Group who is also a collaborator, said although the mechanisms are not yet in place for researchers and companies to order the material, there has already been unofficial interest from private industry. The material would not be free for those who want to order it, but UMaine would offer it at a reasonable price.

Other UMaine researchers involved include FBRI Associate Director Mike Bilodeau, who is the principal investigator on the project, and UMaine Associate Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering David Neivandt, who is also the director of product development for UMaine’s Pulp and Paper Process Development Center.

The authority was created by Governor John Baldacci to expand broadband access in the most rural areas of the state. The latest grants totaling $1.6 million will be used for projects totaling nearly $2.4 million that will expand services to an estimated 2,300 households and businesses.

Jean Wilson, the authority’s chairwoman, said the latest round brings the total to 76 grants, which would potentially serve more than 33,000 households and businesses. The grant awards totaled $6 million. The estimated project costs of the recipients is $12 million.

With the national focus on building manufacturing jobs in the alternative energy sector what makes Maine more attractive than other states to investors?

“Maine has three major ports, which recently received recovery act funds for improvements. Our three-port strategy connects our ports to railroads, as well as overseas markets by ship. We have a capable productive workforce. We are conducting ground-breaking research in composite wind technology with Dr. Habib Dagher, and his team, at the University of Maine. Bath Iron Works are looking to develop ships to carry the windmills for deployment at sea. Maine industries have built wind power expertise erecting land based wind farms, which generate the most wind power in New England. On top of all that, we have the most offshore wind potential in New England.

“Key to it all is location. A company building a wind farm in New England doesn’t want to ship them from Iowa. Maine is the most North Easterly state in the United States. Everyone coming from overseas lands in Maine first. It’s all about location, location, location.

“We are central to the region. To the north Canada needs a way to get their energy to market. Companies there will lease some transmission corridor land, which will benefit businesses, consumers and homeowners in the state because the revenues will be put into the Energy Efficiency Trust Fund to be used, in part, to weatherize every home and half of all business facilities in Maine over the next 20 years. To the south we can feed the power hungry needs of the Boston and New York markets. And at home we can take care of our own needs. This is why the electrical transmission corridors are so important.

“We’re taking advantage of our location and the real-estate that we hold. We’re using it in a smart way within a regional plan that will benefit all the people of Maine.”

Do you believe that Maine now has a more compelling case to the federal government, because of your energy transition infrastructure corridor law, to become part of a major artery on the National grid?

“We have strengthened our case. The New England Governor’s and Renewable Energy Blueprint and the Eastern Interconnection planning process have given us an important regional approach, which is key.

“What we have done is provide a blue print that allows all the New England states to fully maximize their energy potential along with opening up the Eastern Canadian provinces, so we won’t be taken over by the Midwest, and their extension cord. They want to ship their wind and coal power to the Northeast and usurp New England.

“The most recent US Department of Energy 2009 National Electric Transmission Congestion Study was very favorable stating that we have shown we can permit, site, and finance, cost-allocate and build new generation and transmission, while encouraging new demand-side resources.

“Our agreement with Central Maine Power with the $1.4 billion Maine Power Reliability Program is also a major part of this process. The MPRP contains plans to build a new 345,000-volt transmission line from Orrington to southern New Hampshire.

“Maine’s Energy Infrastructure Development law clarifies our approach to sitting major energy corridors and indicates Maine’s willingness to host transmission corridors. It also makes sure that the people of Maine will benefit from the revenues the state receives from leasing the land that will be designated as corridors. Those funds go into the Energy Efficiency Trust to help on energy and weatherization efforts.

“We’re rebuilding the transmission infrastructure for the 21st century. We’re developing our renewable energy portfolio and becoming coordinated as a region. The law creates the foundation where Maine becomes the lighthouse amongst all the New England States.

What type of job potential and economic development is possible because of Maine’s green energy revolution?

“The MPRP project is expected to create more than 2,000 jobs, and more than $60 million in salaries for each year of construction for the project. Dr. Habib Dagher is projecting 15,000 yearly jobs in the manufacturing of offshore windmills and their deployment starting in 2020. Then there are weatherization and energy efficiency jobs. You have a portfolio of jobs and opportunities for contractors, auditors, and installers.

“I don’t think energy is the end all be all, but it is a significant part of the economic future for Maine. Businesses interested in developing in Maine need to know what sectors are growth sectors, energy is right at the top.”

The Ocean Energy law establishes the goal of 5 gigawatts of ocean energy by 2030. Within the law are there provisions for fisherman who have to deal with platforms in their fishing grounds?

“The law sets the legal foundation for offshore wind development and wave technology development in Maine waters, and shows the state’s long-term commitment to ocean energy, which helps with potential investment. It’s a major piece of legislation based on the great work of the Ocean Energy Task Force.

“The environmental permitting laws have been broadened to affect any ocean energy project. So fisherman will gain in environmental protection.

“Any projects in state waters are governed by Maine’s ‘public trust’ doctrine, which ensures that natural resources and related human resources, such as fishing of the State’s submerged lands are not harmed. It’s likely that ocean energy wind projects will be sited away from important fishing grounds, for our fishing heritage is strong and should continue. I hope fishermen will not be adversely affected.

“But in case they are the Ocean Energy law establishes a Renewable Ocean Energy Trust. Rent fees from the use of state waters or submerged lands would go to the Trust. Half of the funds would be used to avoid, minimize and compensate for adverse effects of renewable ocean energy projects on commercial fishing and related activities. So, we are looking out for the interests of our hardworking fishermen.”

Maine could become a green energy hub of manufacturing and electric transmission if all goes according to plan. How will companies around the world know Maine is a good place to come to and invest in?

“There is an aggressive marketing campaign, and the industry with its partners are attending important conferences. We hosted the successful EnergyOcean International conference last year in Rockland. This year the conference is in Florida and the DeepCWind Consortium will be represented. Then there is the largest wind energy event in the world, WindPower 2010, with 25,000 attendees. Reed and Reed, DeLorme, Cianbro, Kenway, BIW, and other Maine companies along with representatives from the Maine Port Authority, UMO’s Advanced Composite Center, The Maine Composites Alliance, and the Department of Economic and Community Development, and others from Maine, will attend. Some will have booths, as well as hold a reception. The DeepCWind Consortium includes all these partners, and others. They will continue to put the word out about the opportunities Maine offers.”

Governor Baldacci at the Kibby Wind Farm

When will alternative energy and weatherization efforts begin to lower energy costs?

“We are the most oil dependent state in the union. At the same time we are shifting that paradigm, so we are becoming less dependent.

“We have taken major steps, last year and during the most recent session of the Legislature, to put in place incentives, and to lower or eliminate barriers to the generation of renewable energy in Maine. As these are implemented, I fully expect to see more renewable energy from wind, biomass, solar and water produced at lower cost in Maine.

“The savings to Maine people and businesses resulting from energy efficiency and weatherization will save our people and businesses billions of dollars every year that would otherwise be sent to the Middle East and elsewhere to buy fossil fuels. These dollars will stay in Maine – generating jobs and income for Maine people and Maine businesses.

“If oil prices go higher and higher we will be able to use less and less, so fossil fuels won’t be able to put a strangle hold on our tourism industry, businesses and family budgets.

“These billions of dollars, in savings, will help stabilize our energy prices because renewable energy supplies will increase and our demand for oil will be reduced. This change in supply and demand will lead to a downward pressure on energy prices.

“All these things combined will see our economy strengthened with activity. It will be a real sea change.”

Do you think the oil spill tragedy will put more power into wind energy offshore as a better alternative?

“Yes, the oil spill is horrific. People’s appetite for drilling has changed. Wind power is clean power. We’re also talking about creating other sources of energy like pneumonia and hydrogen with wind turbines; it’s an exciting multi-purpose, multi-pronged approach. People will look at the structures we will build and see the smart way we are doing it in Maine.”

Governor John E. Baldacci at home in his office talks about clean energy issues

The National ‘Power Act’ for energy independence and climate change was unveiled April 12th. A critical insights survey found that 72 percent of those polled would like to see our Senators sign onto the proposal. Do you think they will?

“The work Sen. Snowe and Collins did helping the University of Maine with Statoil, (the Norwegian Company that has the world’s floating wind turbine) obtain a long term contract which is built into Maine’s legislation, was critical. That also needs to be a part of the national legislation and the only way to do that is to pass National renewable standards, which feed into all of the climate change issues. They have to support that. It’s a critical link to make all this happen. Companies need national standards on renewable sources of energy to make long-term commitments.

Do you feel that Maine has set the stage, as much as it can for the green energy economy?

I think we’re pretty teed up. The Federal government has already recognized us with recovery act grants for our weatherization efforts for people with incomes at all levels, and for offshore wind research. We’ve had visits from dignitaries looking at our home energy programs, and what we are doing with our credit unions for weatherization efforts. And more visits are scheduled.

They are looking to us to be a leader, and using Maine as an example to other states. I’m proud of that.

We are showing the way on how best to use our location and our natural resources sustainably for clean energy. Maine is increasingly becoming a show place, a model, in weatherization, energy efficiency, and renewable energy— for the rest of the country.

Are you confident that any successor as governor in Maine will carry on with promoting and progressing the green energy economy you started?

“Based on their responses in the newspaper and what I have hard they also recognize what a key opportunity energy represents for Maine’s future.”

LD 1778 has two main provisions. First, it establishes a new category of utility called a “dark fiber provider” and secondly, it creates a Broadband Sustainability Fund to support “last mile” high-speed Internet expansion to unserved areas.

Hospitals, libraries, the university system and government agencies will be able to access this broadband. The measure will save lives in the medical field as information will be exchanged at a faster pace and new networking opportunities will be opened up.

“As a Maine-based company, we are thankful for the broad, bipartisan and nonpartisan support we received from the Maine Legislature, the Governor’s Office and the broad coalition of other public and private sector people who helped us reach this point,” said Maine Fiber Company CEO Dwight Allison. “We plan to move forward honoring the letter and spirit of the hard work that went into LD1778 by this group and focus on building a network that will provide critical infrastructure for economic growth in Maine for years to come.”

Maine Fiber Company, an unaffiliated Maine-owned and operated private company that will oversee the construction, maintenance and leasing of the new fiber network, was created after the U.S. Department of Commerce awarded $25.4 million to the Three Ring Binder Project in December 2009.

“We believe the central reason Maine Fiber Company’s Three Ring Binder Project won federal funding in the first round of broadband expansion grants was because of the open-access, non-discriminatory model created in the application,” said MFC partner and investor Robert CS Monks. “This legislation turns that model into law. We believe increased competition and open access to high-speed fiber will benefit Maine businesses and consumers alike – and create economic opportunity for parts of our state that need it most.”

“Reaching this point took a lot of time and effort by a broad coalition of people with different viewpoints,” said MFC President Joshua Broder. “We didn’t all start in the same place, but with the Governor’s leadership and a lot of hard work by all the parties, we reached an agreement that should allow the Three Ring Binder to move forward without delay. We plan to move forward and meet the letter and spirit of this agreement – and the strict federal requirements and timelines associated with bringing this important investment to Maine.”

“The Maine Home Performance program is open for business and all homeowners are able to participate. This is an effective program to encourage more Mainers to make improvements to their homes so that their families can stay warm, more secure, safer and economically more secure,” said Governor John Baldacci. “This program is about saving Mainers money and about providing jobs to energy auditors, energy installers and retailers.”

Maine has one of the oldest housing stocks in the nation, and roughly 80 percent of homes in the state are heated with oil. Up to 4,000 homes will receive money from the Maine Home Performance program, administered by Efficiency Maine, at the Maine Public Utilities Commission. The program is funded with $9 million in federal stimulus dollars that the state received for energy initiatives.

“Since 2002, Efficiency Maine has generated $391,000,000 of energy savings working with businesses and individuals throughout the state,” said PUC Chair Sharon Reishus. “Many Maine homeowners would save significantly on their energy bill by implementing basic measures such as weather sealing, insulation, and basic steps to maximize the efficiency of the home’s heating system.”

Preapproved weatherization projects that reduce fuel usage for heat and hot water by 25 percent would be eligible for up to $1,500 in rebates while those that achieve energy savings of 50 percent or more would be eligible for up to $3,000. Federal tax incentives of up to $1,500 could also help offset the costs of weatherization.

To be eligible homeowners must have an energy audit performed by a certified auditor.

Eligible improvements include: insulation and air sealing, energy-efficient replacement windows, high-efficiency heating and hot water equipment, including solar water heaters, programmable thermostats and water-saving devices.

A couple taking advantage of the program to winterize their 1832 farmhouse in Warren attended the press conference which announced the program.

“We used to burn six or seven cords a year, in addition to three hundred gallons of heating oil. In the morning we would sit down at the kitchen table dressed up like cross-country skiers. After the weatherization renovations we are at home, in our home,” said Stuart Finkelstein.

His wife, Jane Funk, added, “Farmhouses are hard to heat. The improvements, offset by the $3,000 rebate, will reduce our energy usage by 50 percent. It’s a long term investment, which for us was well worth it.”

The process to secure the rebate is simple. First a certified energy audit must take place. Then the homeowner and a contractor submit an application to the Conservation Services Group, which has been hired by the state to manage the program.

When the project is done, the homeowner mails in a form to receive $3,000 for 50 percent efficiency improvements, or $1,500 for 25 percent energy improvements.

Evergreen Home Performance of Rockland, specializes in audits and weatherization renovations, was hired by Finkelstein for the weatherization improvements.

“We need all of the help we can get to grow these kinds of businesses, and homeowners need all of the help that they can get because you need skilled labor to do these things,” said Richard Burbank owner of Evergreen. Burbank took one of the state’s initial weatherization programs three years ago. Since then he started a company on his own and now has 14 employees.

Weatherization experts remain in high demand in Maine. The state has expanded training and certification programs for auditors and installation technicians, and the number of firms offering such services is growing.

“It’s a very rewarding business, helping people stay warm and secure during the winter,” said Burbank. “It’s a science. Heat loss can’t be seen so we use inferred. Most clients are amazed at home much heat seeps out of their homes.”

Speaker of the House Hannah Pingree said her mother, U.S. Representative Chellie Pingree hired Burbank to weatherize her home.

Speaker of the House Hannah Pingree said, ”Weatherization is the best way to save money in energy costs.” {photo by du Houx}

“That house had so many leaks, we just could see, but felt,” said Pingree. “The investment will see returns every year as we won’t need to spend as much in heating. Weatherization is the best way to save money in energy costs.”

Last year the Legislature passed the Governor’s energy bill that set the goal to weatherize all Maine homes and half of Maine businesses by 2030.

Dale McCormick, director of the Maine State Housing Authority, said the average cost in Maine for an energy audit and weatherization work is about $8,000 and that the average energy savings is around 25 percent.

The average Maine household now spends $2,400 a year on heating costs. The average oil-heated home burns 800 gallons a year.

“Dependence on unstable foreign energy is dangerous for our economy, environment and national security,” said Baldacci. “There’s a better way. The resources that flow out of our State could sorely be used here at home. We now have programs in place for the people of Maine to take advantage of.”

A full list of eligible improvements and eligibility requirements are found on Efficiency Maine’s web site, http://www.efficiencymaine.com/mainehomeperformance.htm
In addition, a toll free number is available at 877-334-6583, and 2-1-1.

AEWC engineer Jake Marquis is currently working with the Coast Guard investigating the possibility of AEWC designing a buoy that could be used year round that would be lighter and require less maintenance without sacrificing performance. He recently traveled with the Coast Guard to see firsthand how the buoys are handled in order to gain insight into the type of wear and tear they are subject to. The next step in this project will be an inspection maintenance facility in South Weymouth, Massachusetts.

These new composite buoys have the potential to save money by eliminating the need for bi-annual rotation, decreasing maintenance requirements, and by necessitating smaller boats and crews when maintenance is needed because of their lighter weight.