The US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has delayed the issuance of the final environmental impact statement for the 800MW Vineyard Wind offshore wind farm off the country’s east coast.
The developer said it had been informed by BOEM that the latter was “not yet prepared” to issue the statement.
“We understand that, as the first commercial scale offshore wind project in the US, the Vineyard Wind project will undergo extraordinary review before receiving approvals,” Vineyard Wind said.
It added that with “any project of this scale and complexity, changes to the schedule are anticipated”.
The developer said it “remains resolutely committed” to working with BOEM to deliver the project and its benefits – “an abundant supply of cost-effective clean energy combined with enormous economic and job-creation opportunities”.
Vineyard Wind is being developed by a joint venture of Avangrid Renewables and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners.
It will feature 81 MHI Vestas V164-9.5MW turbines and is expected online in 2022.