US gives key OK for 15GW floating wind area in Gulf of Maine
Go-ahead allows upcoming leasing round to go forward to meet growing demand from New England state
US regulator Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has approved its environmental assessment (EA) for a giant floating wind area in the Gulf of Maine holding some 15GW of potential capacity.
The EA authorises developers to carry out site assessment activities such as installation of meteorological buoys and surveys, a key step allowing a lease sale to go forward. Any projects planned for the region following the lease sale will need to undergo a more thorough environmental impact statement (EIS).
“BOEM is actively assessing proposed offshore wind activities in the Gulf of Maine by collaborating with Tribes, state and federal agencies, ocean users, local communities, and other stakeholders,” said BOEM director Elizabeth Klein.
“We are committed to ensuring that future offshore wind development proceeds in a manner that reduces potential impacts on other ocean activities and the surrounding ecosystem.”
BOEM will be announcing its final sales notice for the region in the coming weeks, with the anticipation of holding the auction this fall.
Maine has set a tentative goal of 3GW, while Massachusetts has a mandate for 5.6GW contracted by 2027, and is expected to require substantially more to meet its low carbon policies, potentially as much as 23GW by 2050.
New Hampshire has yet to set an offshore wind target.
While New England states remain enthusiastic about offshore wind, stakeholders, especially fisheries promise to oppose sector development.
Election urgency
President Joe Biden’s administration has ramped sector activity in recent months amid a hotly contested presidential election that could have dramatic consequences for offshore wind.
BOEM has held five leasing rounds under Biden, including the recent auction in the Central Atlantic last month.