The US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has designated two Wind Energy Areas in the Gulf of Mexico for offshore development, paving the way for the region’s first competitive lease sales.
The first site is located 24 nautical miles off the coast of Galveston, Texas spanning 508,265 acres. The second covers a 174,275-acre area 56 nautical miles off Lake Charles, Louisiana.
BOEM said the combined acreage has the potential to supply enough electricity to power three million homes.
It follows a 45-day public comment period that ended in early September. The final areas were reduced slightly from their draft versions to address concerns expressed by the Department of Defense and the US Coast Guard regarding shipping, marine navigation, and military operations.
A proposed sale notice is expected to be issued either later this year or in early 2023.
BOEM director Amanda Lefton said: “These two wind energy areas represent exciting progress toward having the first offshore wind lease sale in the Gulf of Mexico, where there is a mature industry base and the know how to advance energy development in the OCS.
“The region can play a central role in our nation’s clean energy transition to support good paying jobs, fight climate change.
“BOEM will continue to work with the coastal states and communities as we advance our work and do so in a manner that seeks to avoid or minimise conflicts with other ocean uses and marine life in the Gulf of Mexico.”