Deb Haaland Secretary at U.S. Department of Interior | Official website
WASHINGTON — In another step by the Biden-Harris administration to support the growing momentum across America for a clean energy economy, the Department of the Interior today announced the execution of the nation’s first floating offshore wind energy research lease. The lease area covers less than 15,000 acres located 28 nautical miles offshore Maine on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf and could allow for the deployment of up to 12 floating offshore wind turbines capable of generating up to 144 megawatts of renewable energy, as well as many good-paying jobs in local communities.
“The Biden-Harris administration is building momentum every day for our clean energy future, and today’s announcement is yet another step toward our ambitious goal of deploying 30 gigawatts of offshore energy by 2030,” said Secretary Deb Haaland. “Our clean energy future is now a reality – I am so proud of the progress being made by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management as we work to address climate change, foster job growth, and promote equitable economic opportunities for all communities.”
“Floating wind opens up opportunities to produce renewable energy in deeper water farther offshore,” said Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) Director Elizabeth Klein. “Signing the Gulf of Maine research lease demonstrates the commitment by both BOEM and the State of Maine to promote a clean energy future for the nation. It is another example of a successful all-of-government effort to reach the Administration’s offshore wind energy goals and to combat the impacts of climate change.”
President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is growing the American economy from the middle out and bottom up – from rebuilding our nation’s infrastructure, to driving over half a trillion dollars in new private sector manufacturing and clean energy investments in the United States, to creating good-paying jobs and building a clean energy economy that will combat the climate crisis and make our communities more resilient.
Since the start of the Biden-Harris administration, the Department has approved nine commercial scale offshore wind projects with a combined capacity exceeding 13 gigawatts — enough to power nearly 5 million homes. In that time, BOEM has held five offshore wind lease auctions – including a record-breaking sale offshore New York and first-ever sales off both Pacific Coast and Gulf of Mexico shores. The Department also recently announced plans for up to 12 additional lease sales through 2028.
The Department has also taken steps to grow a sustainable offshore wind industry by encouraging project labor agreements, strengthening workforce training, bolstering a domestic supply chain, and enhancing engagement with Tribes, fisheries, communities, and ocean users.
The research lease executed today will allow stakeholders including state officials, fishing community members, wildlife experts, among others to conduct studies evaluating floating offshore wind as an alternative renewable source in this region. Information gathered will inform responsible commercial floating offshore wind development while protecting local interests.
As part of this research lease agreement, Maine or its designated operator will propose studies on environmental and engineering aspects related to this project. This information will be publicized for use in future planning stages regarding commercial scale floating offshore wind projects.
Construction activity on this research array is not expected for several years as lessees must first submit a Research Activities Plan subjecting it under environmental analysis per National Environmental Policy Act guidelines.
More information about this research lease can be found on BOEM’s website.
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