Maine city advances 100% clean energy by 2040 mandate

April 24, 2017
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
If Portland, Maine successfully implements this mandate, it will  be the 27th US city to take the 100% renewables pledge. Source: Flickr/Don Shall

Portland, Maine, is the latest city in the US to pursue a 100% clean energy mandate – aiming to be entirely renewable by 2040.

City councillor Spencer Thibodeau, chairman of Portland’s sustainability and transportation committee, is to present the target as a council resolution, to be discussed at the next committee meeting tomorrow.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

To meet the ambitious goal, the committee plans to amend the city’s 2008 Municipal Climate Action Plan to accelerate Portland’s renewable energy capacity to meet the 2040 goal.

The goal would place Portland among a growing number of US communities that are leading efforts to reduce fossil fuel use that contributes to climate change and other environmental issues.

Most recently, Portland in Oregon made the pledge for 100% renewable energy by 2050. If Portland, Maine successfully implements the mandate, it will be the 27th US city to announce a 100% clean energy mandate, following St. Petersburg in Florida, and Los Angeles, California.

In other news, Chicago has pledged 100% renewables for all its public buildings by 2025 – becoming the first US city to do so.

Read Next

December 5, 2025
Origis Energy has raised US$265 million in finance from Advantage Capital to support the development of a 305MW solar PV portfolio in the US.
December 5, 2025
Over 140 US solar companies have urged Congress to reconsider changes to permitting which they say have resulted in “a nearly complete moratorium” on solar project permits.
Premium
December 5, 2025
In November, the Colorado PUC ordered utility Xcel Energy to provide higher-quality information, and introduce flexible tariffs.
December 4, 2025
Nextpower, formerly Nextracker, will double its steel solar tracker manufacturing capacity in Tennessee and has established a new “regional hub” in the Southeast US.
December 3, 2025
Terra-Gen has closed financing for its 205MW Lockhart III & IV solar PV project in San Bernadino County, California.
December 3, 2025
Buyers should prepare for increases in the price of vital solar module components, such as polysilicon, wafers and cells, but “remain cautious” of accepting new contractual terms from Chinese suppliers until formal market policies are agreed.

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Webinars
December 17, 2025
2pm GMT / 3pm CET
Solar Media Events
February 3, 2026
London, UK
Solar Media Events
March 24, 2026
Dallas, Texas
Solar Media Events
April 15, 2026
Milan, Italy
Solar Media Events
June 16, 2026
Napa, USA