The US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has announced plans to conduct an environmental review of Vineyard Northeast's proposed 2600-megawatt (MW) offshore wind energy project. The project, located 29 miles offshore Nantucket, Massachusetts, is set to undergo a thorough assessment for its construction and operations plan (COP).
BOEM will publish a Notice of Intent (NOI) to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) for the Vineyard Northeast project, marking the 13th COP review initiated under the Biden-Harris administration.
Elizabeth Klein, director of BOEM, expressed the administration's commitment to collaborating with various stakeholders, stating, “Through collective effort, we can establish a robust, sustainable offshore wind sector that guarantees communities nationwide reap the rewards of domestically sourced clean, reliable renewable energy.”
The proposed project includes the installation of up to 160 wind turbine generators, up to 3 electrical service platforms (ESPs), and one booster station in an adjacent lease area. Additionally, the plans feature two offshore export cable corridors – one to Connecticut and one to Massachusetts – along with associated onshore transmission systems.
The approximately 132,370-acre lease area is situated approximately 29 miles from Nantucket and around 39 miles offshore Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts.
The publication of the NOI in the Federal Register on March 25 will kick off a 45-day public comment period for the Vineyard Northeast EIS, closing on May 9, 2024. BOEM extended its standard 30-day comment period to 45 days to align with the Atlantic Shores North NOI 45-day public comment period announced earlier this month.
The environmental review process is a crucial step in assessing the potential impacts and benefits of the Vineyard Northeast offshore wind project, which could significantly contribute to the expansion of clean, renewable energy in the region.
