The Maine Public Utilities Commission is seeking to buy energy from solar, wind and other renewable sources built on farmland contaminated with PFAS, sometimes referred to as “forever chemicals.”

The commission issued a request for proposals for the sale of energy or renewable energy credits last week. It is open to certain renewable resources that began commercial operations on or after Sept. 18, 2023.

Special preference will be given to projects that are at least 90% located on agricultural land contaminated by perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS. The chemicals are toxic to humans, even in trace amounts, and have contaminated dozens of farms across the state.

“By prioritizing projects on PFAS-contaminated agricultural land, we’re helping communities turn environmental challenges into opportunities for sustainable development and cost savings for ratepayers,” commission Chair Philip L. Bartlett II said in a written statement.

The move follows a 2023 law that called for renewable energy to be generated on contaminated farmland in an effort to restore the land’s value and provide new revenue opportunities for landowners. The law was amended during the last legislative session with procedural changes, including a requirement that the commission only approve contracts it finds likely to produce more benefits to ratepayers than additional costs.

The commission aims to procure up to about 1.6 million megawatt-hours in electric generation throughout the lifetime of any contracts awarded. Contracts will be for 20 years, but the commission has the right to offer longer terms if deemed useful.

All told, that’s enough electricity to power up to roughly 2.9 million Maine homes for a month, based on an average usage of 550 kilowatt-hours per month.

“The commission shall select only eligible resources or combined projects that will benefit ratepayers,” the RFP stipulates. “Only those benefits that reduce the cost of energy supply or delivery in a quantifiable way will be considered.”

Dan Burgess, director of the Governor’s Energy Office, praised the RFP and said the projects that come from it should help drive down Mainers’ energy costs.

“Quickly locking in these projects will reduce Maine’s reliance on fossil fuels, build energy affordability and security for the future, and create good jobs and investment in Maine,” Burgess said in a written statement.

The requested projects would produce roughly 13% of the state’s energy needs, the office said.

Last month, Gov. Janet Mills signed a new law codifying her administration’s goal of procuring 100% clean energy by 2040. Of that, 90% must come from renewables.

Proposals are due by 11:59 p.m. on July 25.