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Maine (US) adopts 80% renewable target by 2030 and 100% by 2050

The Governor of Maine (1.3 million inhabitants, United States) has signed into law three bills that will support renewable energies and fight climate change in the State. The first bill establishes the Maine Climate Council, which will be in charge of developing action plans to reduce the State's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 45% by 2030 and by 80% by 2050. The Act To Reform Maine's Renewable Portfolio Standard targets an increase in the State's Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) from the current 40% to 80% by 2030 and 100% renewable energy by 2050; the bill also requires the Public Utilities Commission to procure long-term contracts for new renewable power generation, which may be coupled with advanced energy storage. It also requires the creation of a new thermal portfolio standard to incentivize efficient heating and cooling installations. Finally, the Act To Promote Solar Energy Projects and Distributed Generation Resources in Maine introduces new solar incentive programs for 375 MW of new distributed generation (primary solar PV installations under 5 MW).