The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) in the US said it intends to resume the environmental review of Vineyard Wind’s proposed 800MW offshore wind project off the coast of Massachusetts.
BOEM will resume the environmental review of the Vineyard Wind project and proceed with development of a final environmental impact statement (EIS).
BOEM director Amanda Lefton (pictured) said: “Offshore wind has the potential to help our nation combat climate change, improve resilience through reliable power, and spur economic development to create good-paying jobs.
“BOEM is committed to conducting a robust and timely review of the proposed project.”
On 22 January 2021, Vineyard Wind submitted a letter rescinding its temporary construction and operations plan (COP) withdrawal and requesting that BOEM resume review of the 800MW project.
The proposed project would be located approximately 12 nautical miles offshore Martha’s Vineyard and 12 nautical miles offshore Nantucket in the northern portion of its lease area.
Vineyard Wind had paused BOEM’s consideration of its proposal while it reviewed whether the use of GE Haliade-X turbines warranted any modifications to the COP.
US President Joe Biden issued an Executive Order on 27 January 2021 that called for the Interior Department to identify steps to accelerate responsible development of renewable energy on public lands and waters.
The department has initiated a review of processes and procedures to date as it re-invests in a “rigorous renewable energy program”, BOEM stated.