Seattle-based company Trident Winds has applied to the US Bureau of Ocean and Energy Management (BOEM) for a lease to build an up to 2GW floating offshore wind farm off the coast of Washington State.
An Unsolicited Lease Request has been submitted for a commercial lease to pursue the permitting, development, construction, operation, and maintenance of the Olympic Wind project.
Olympic Wind is planned to be sited 69km off the coast of the Olympic Peninsula.
Trident Winds said the project is expected to generate “significant jobs and economic benefits for local communities while helping Washington meet its ambitious climate goals and clean energy targets”.
BOEM will now conduct an initial review to confirm the applicant meets the agency’s legal, technical, and financial qualifications to hold a lease on the Outer Continental Shelf for commercial offshore wind energy development.
Following confirmation of qualifications, BOEM will issue a public notice of a request for interest to determine if competitive interest exists for the proposed site.
Trident Winds chief executive Alla Weinstein said: “The Olympic Wind project is poised to be the first floating, commercial scale offshore wind installation off the coast of Washington State.
“The project will harness our unlimited, carbon-free offshore wind resources for the benefit of all Washingtonians.
“We believe strongly that all voices matter and look forward to working with stakeholders to form strong partnerships that maximise benefits for surrounding communities.”