US Administration Proposes Auctions for 18 GW of Offshore Wind Capacity

The U.S. Department of the Interior has announced proposals for two new offshore wind energy areas off the coast of Oregon and in the Gulf of Maine. The 1 million acres of land could provide 18 GW of energy, enough to power more than six million homes. The proposed Gulf of Maine auction includes eight lease areas off the shores of Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. 

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is now seeking feedback on the eight proposed Gulf of Maine lease areas and feedback on which areas, if any, should be prioritized for inclusion or exclusion in the sale. BOEM has proposed running sales in all eight areas simultaneously and including lease stipulations to ensure engagement with local communities, tribes, and industries.

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The Biden Administration has already approved eight offshore sites with a combined capacity of more than 10 GW, which they say will power nearly four million homes. They are also continuing the lengthy review process for additional proposals after having conducted four auctions, including the New York Bight, offshore of the Carolinas, and the first sales off the coast of California and in the Gulf of Mexico.

This announcement is part of the Administration’s commitment to expand offshore wind opportunities, building on investments made by the President’s Investing in America agenda to develop a clean energy economy, create good-paying jobs for American workers. Regionally, South Fork Wind and Vineyard Wind were added to operational offshore wind projects in the US. 

Details About the Eight Proposed Offshore Wind Areas

Location Map Source: BOEM

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is proposing to conduct simultaneous auctions for each of the eight lease areas. Before finalizing the plan, they are seeking feedback on various aspects, including the size of the lease areas, orientation, and location. These areas, located off the coast of Oregon and in the Gulf of Maine, have the potential to provide a combined capacity of 18 GW. Here’s a brief description of these areas:

New York Bight 

This area is part of the four auctions that have already been conducted. The New York Bight is an indentation along the Atlantic coast of the United States, extending northeasterly from Cape May Inlet in New Jersey to Montauk Point on the eastern tip of Long Island.

Offshore Carolina

This is another area that has been part of the previous auctions. The exact location within the Carolina region is not specified, but it’s likely to be in an area with favorable wind conditions.

California Coast

The first sales off the coast of California have already been conducted. The specific location on the California coast is not mentioned, but it’s likely to be in an area with high wind potential.

Gulf of Mexico

This area has also been part of the previous auctions. The Gulf of Mexico, known for its oil and gas operations, is now being considered for wind energy development.

Marine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire  

These areas are part of the new proposals and represent nearly one million acres in the Gulf of Maine. They have the potential to provide 15 GW of energy.

Coos Bay Wind Energy Area

This is one of the two lease areas off the coast of Oregon. It’s part of the Pacific Coast proposal and could power more than one million homes.

Brookings Wind Energy Area

This is the second lease area off the coast of Oregon. Along with the Coos Bay Wind Energy Area, it could provide approximately 3 GW of energy.

Gulf of Maine

This area is part of the new proposals and includes eight lease areas. It represents nearly one million acres and has the potential to provide 15 GW of energy. These proposed areas reflect a multi-year planning process that has included robust engagement with tribes, local communities, federal and state agencies, ocean users, and other stakeholders.

For further details about upcoming offshore wind auctions, explore our database

Read: Petrobras Signs Memorandum of Understanding for Offshore Wind Project in Brazil

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