The US Department of the Interior has set the date for the 13GW offshore wind energy lease sale in the Gulf of Maine as 29 October, 2024.
The eight areas on the outer continental shelf off Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine have the potential to power more than 4.5 million homes.
“The growing enthusiasm for the clean energy future is infectious,” said Secretary Deb Haaland.
She added: “Today’s announcement – which builds on the execution of the nation’s first floating offshore wind energy research lease in Maine last month – is the result of years of thoughtful coordination between our team, the Gulf of Maine states, industry and the Tribes and ocean users who share our interest in the health and longevity of our ocean.
“The Biden-Harris administration’s unwavering commitment to building a vibrant and sustainable offshore clean energy sector is strengthening our fight against the climate crisis and building a healthier, more resilient planet for generations to come.”
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) Director Elizabeth Klein said: “The upcoming Gulf of Maine offshore wind energy auction reflects our all-of-government approach for reaching the Biden-Harris Administration’s energy goals while combatting the climate crisis.
“Together, we can do our part to facilitate a new American industry while fostering job growth and promoting equitable economic opportunities for all communities.”
The area included in the Final Sale Notice (FSN) is approximately 120,000 acres less than what the BOEM included in its Proposed Sale Notice, which was announced earlier this year.
The bureau said it prioritised the avoidance of offshore fishing grounds, sensitive habitats, and existing and future vessel transit routes, while still retaining sufficient acreage to support the region’s offshore wind energy goals.
The FSN for the Gulf of Maine auction includes details regarding the auction, provisions, and conditions of the leases, the lease form, information on bidding credits, criteria for evaluating competing bids, award procedures, appeal procedures, and lease execution.
It also includes several lease stipulations designed to promote the development of a robust domestic US supply chain for floating wind and create good-paying union jobs, advance flexibility in transmission planning, minimize habitat impacts, and collect data on protected marine mammals.
The FSN will be published in the Federal Register on 17 September.