Aroostook Innovation


Powering the Future from Northern Maine
The world’s digital transformation requires more than just fiber optics — it demands scalable, reliable power to support hyperscale data infrastructure.
In Southern Aroostook County, we stand at the intersection of global demand and local opportunity. Houlton, Maine is being considered by global technology leaders for the siting of major data center operations. But our region faces a familiar challenge: lack of accessible, scalable energy infrastructure.
That’s why we’re advocating for bold investment in a new energy corridor — featuring natural gas, hydrogen-ready transmission, and scalable nuclear generation through Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
We invite you to join us in building a reliable, modern, and inclusive energy future for Maine — one that unlocks jobs, tax base growth, and economic security for generations to come.


Powering Maine's Digital Economy

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The Story



“Unlocking the Potential of Data Centers and Energy Infrastructure in Aroostook County.”

  • Overview of the hyperscaler interest in Houlton
  • Immediate barrier: lack of scalable energy infrastructure
  • Introduce concept of a modern energy corridor (natural gas + hydrogen + SMR)
  • Call to action: “Join us in building an energy-secure and economically vibrant future for Maine.”

The Opportunity – Why Houlton, Why Now

  • Location advantages: climate, land, fiber, border access
  • Economic opportunity: data centers, industrial development, grid resiliency
  • Workforce: existing institutions, trainable labor pool
  • Pioneer Broadband as anchor provider and local partner

Energy Solutions – Natural Gas, Hydrogen, and SMR

Natural Gas

  • Pipeline extension potential (from Baileyville or elsewhere)
  • Cost-effective, lower-emission bridge fuel
  • Supports dispatchable baseload generation

Hydrogen

  • Future-oriented energy vector
  • Potential dual-fuel generation in later years
  • Leverages same pipeline and generation infrastructure

Nuclear – Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)

  • Compact, safe, scalable, and emission-free
  • Excellent for data center colocation
  • Already gaining support in other states (e.g., Wyoming, Montana, Idaho)
  • Positions Maine to lead on energy reliability

Barriers to Progress

  • Policy misalignment with green-only approaches (exclusion of gas and nuclear)
  • Infrastructure gaps in pipeline, generation, permitting
  • Public perception challenges due to misunderstanding of modern energy tech

Solutions and Advocacy

  • Legislative adjustments to include natural gas and SMRs in Maine’s energy roadmap
  • Creation of public-private working group on energy innovation in rural Maine
  • Federal partnership: DOE, USDA, NTIA, NTIB, and Commerce
  • Economic development funding via EDA, IRA, IIJA, and BEAD/NTIA

News & Research

  • Blog posts and updates
  • Links to supporting federal reports (e.g., from DOE, NRC)
  • Op-eds and editorials
  • Case studies from other rural SMR and gas builds

Get Involved

  • Mailing list / updates
  • Endorsements from community leaders
  • Contact form for policymakers, investors, engineers


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Take a look

Links related to data centers, natural gas power generation, and nuclear power as it relates to data center planning and construction.

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