In June, Maine will be host to the premiere global conference on ocean energy EnergyOcean 2009 in Rockport. In 2008, Maine competed nationally for the opportunity to host the conference through the Department of Economic and Community Development.

The Maine Technology Institute awarded the Environmental & Energy Council of Maine (E2 Tech ) a Cluster Initiative* award of $50,000. E2 Tech, created in 2002 is an association of companies, entreprenuers and organzations who are committed to advanceing job growth, research & development and new product commericializaion.

Maine’s ocean energy cluster includes off-shore wind, tidal, wave and other potential ocean energy technologies including composites, marine technology and precision technology sectors.

"This award will help Maine’s to showcase to the international audience at the conference its rising renewable energy sector. This includes industry, independent research institutions and the universities. The expected outcome is to position Maine as a potential leader and driver of economic growth in this field with its significant natural resources and its talent pool of entrpreneurs, businesses, researchers and scientists" Jim Atwell and Jeff Thaler, Co-Chairs & Board Members of E2Tech.

Potenetial projects for E2 Tech will be organizing collective "Maine" booth space at the show, producing a film to showcase the state’s assets to the conference attendees.

"This MTI Cluster Initiative grant is another example of the important contribution MTI makes to Maine’s economy. Renewable Ocean Energy has the opportunity to tremendously impact Maine’s economy in the future. DECD is proud to be sponsoring the EnergyOcean conference." John Richardson, Commissioner of Maine’s Department of Economic and Community Development.

The conference will be held June 16, 17, 18 at the Samoset Resort in Rockport. For more information please refer to: