The US Department of the Interior has revealed plans for two offshore wind energy auctions off the coasts of Oregon and in the Gulf of Maine, potentially unlocking more than 18 gigawatts of renewable energy, sufficient to power over six million households.
“In line with the Biden-Harris administration's commitment to advancing clean energy initiatives, the Department of the Interior has greenlit the proposal for two significant offshore wind energy auctions,” stated Secretary Deb Haaland.
The proposed auctions signify the culmination of a multi-year planning process marked by extensive engagement with various stakeholders, including Tribes, local communities, and federal and state agencies. This collaborative effort aimed to strike a balance between social, ecological, and economic considerations.
BOEM's collaboration with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science has bolstered the process by incorporating comprehensive ocean resource data to inform wind energy area selection.
Efforts to identify suitable areas prioritized the avoidance of critical offshore fishing grounds and the delineation of vessel transit routes while ensuring adequate acreage to support regional offshore wind energy objectives. These measures seek to establish a well-informed framework for harmonizing diverse ocean uses in potential offshore wind development zones.
Continuing its engagement approach, BOEM will leverage its Intergovernmental Renewable Energy Task Forces to coordinate lease sales and facilitate ongoing stakeholder involvement. These task forces comprise representatives from federal, state, and local agencies, along with Tribal governments, ensuring comprehensive collaboration.
The proposed auction in the Gulf of Maine Wind Energy Area encompasses eight lease areas spanning Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, totaling nearly one million acres. This expansive zone holds the potential to yield approximately 15 gigawatts of renewable energy, powering over five million households.
BOEM seeks public feedback on various aspects, including the configuration, orientation, and location of the lease areas, encouraging input on prioritization for inclusion or exclusion.
Detailed information can be accessed on BOEM's dedicated Gulf of Maine webpage.
The Oregon lease sale encompasses two areas, namely the Coos Bay Wind Energy Area and the Brookings Wind Energy Area, totaling 194,995 acres. These regions possess the capacity to supply clean renewable energy to more than one million homes.
Concurrent with the lease sale proposal, BOEM has released a draft environmental review for public scrutiny and comment, detailing potential impacts associated with offshore wind energy activities.
The draft review and additional engagement opportunities, including virtual public meetings and commenting procedures, are available on BOEM's Oregon webpage.
