Eight Wind Energy Areas could support a staggering 13 GW of floating offshore wind development
For Immediate Release: September 16, 2024
Media Contact: Luke Jeanfreau | [email protected] | 504-302-8079
BALTIMORE — Oceantic Network celebrates today’s announcement by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) of the first offshore wind lease sale in the Gulf of Maine. The agency issued a Final Sale Notice (FSN) for an October 29 auction that encompasses over 800,000 acres, enough space to construct 13 GW of offshore wind power generation with the potential to power more than 4.5 million homes. This represents the largest potential capacity from a single offshore wind lease auction in U.S. history.
The eight lease areas are in waters too deep for traditional fixed-bottom wind turbines, requiring future projects to utilize floating offshore wind technology. The FSN also includes stipulations designed to promote the floating offshore wind supply chain, transmission planning, and well-paying union jobs. Today’s announcement follows the issuance of an offshore wind research lease to the state of Maine in August. This lease enables the state—in collaboration with the fishing community, wildlife experts, and industry leaders—to construct a 144 MW pilot project and conduct studies that will inform future floating offshore wind development in the region and beyond.
The following statement can be attributed to Liz Burdock, CEO of Oceantic Network:
“Oceantic Network fully supports BOEM’s advancement of offshore wind in the Gulf of Maine. Today, they’ve established eight Wind Energy Areas capable of generating up to 13 GW– nearly half of the nation’s 30 GW goal and the majority of its 15 GW floating offshore wind goal. This represents a monumental step forward for floating offshore wind technology not only in the U.S., but globally. With ample acreage for new projects and a state research lease, BOEM is helping to position Maine as a hub of innovation that will fuel the development of floating offshore wind technology. Oceantic looks forward to continuing to work with BOEM, the state of Maine, and interested stakeholders to support responsible offshore wind development in the region.”
Additional Information:
- Oceantic Network’s New England & Atlantic Canada OSW Forum
- Biden-Harris Administration Announces First Offshore Wind Lease Sale in the Gulf of Maine
- BOEM’s Gulf of Maine Activities Page
For more information or to arrange an interview with the Network, contact Luke Jeanfreau at [email protected] or 504-302-8079.
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As a non-profit organization, Oceantic Network strives to help businesses find success in offshore wind and other ocean renewable industries. We’re mobilizing governments, corporations, and organized labor to take advantage of the vast offshore wind and renewable energy resources that lie in the world’s oceans. The collective, coordinated efforts of our 400+ members are equipping American communities with the tools they need to accelerate the transition to clean energy and create economic opportunities. For more information about Network membership, products and services, visit our website or follow us on LinkedIn.
