Aroostook Innovation

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



Mission Statement: "To drive economic growth and energy innovation in Northern Maine by building scalable infrastructure that supports hyperscale data centers and empowers local communities."

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


Our Intention

Aroostook Innovation is committed to transforming the energy and digital landscape of Northern Maine. Through the development of a modern energy corridor—we aim to position the region as a hub for hyperscale data centers and industrial growth. Our initiative bridges global technological demand with local opportunity, fostering a sustainable future for all Mainers. This work is powered by our core values: community engagement, strategic vision, infrastructure excellence, policy advocacy, and inclusive growth.


Vision Statement: "We envision Southern Aroostook County as a national leader in digital infrastructure and clean energy converge to build a resilient, inclusive, and future-ready economy. Guided by visionary leadership and a commitment to technological advancement, regional equity, environmental stewardship, and long-term impact, we aim to transform Northern Maine into a model of sustainable innovation and opportunity."