New energy technologies and niche paper products are among the topics being discussed at a timber industry forum in the Maine city of Portland.

The Thursday morning forum and panel discussion will focus on ways Maine’s wood pulp and forestry industries are innovating new products to remain competitive in their economic sectors.

Those innovations include specialty paper sold around the world and ultra-efficient generators that produce steam and electricity for industrial applications.

The forum is being held by the Environmental & Energy Technology Council of Maine and the Maine Pulp & Paper Association at the University of Southern Maine.