The US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) will initiate an environmental review of Vineyard Northeast’s proposed 2600MW offshore wind energy project, located 29 miles offshore Nantucket, Massachusetts at its closest point.
BOEM will publish a Notice of Intent (NOI) to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) for the construction and operations plan (COP) submitted by Vineyard Northeast.
This is the 13th COP review initiated under the Biden-Harris administration.
BOEM director Elizabeth Klein (pictured) said: “The Biden-Harris administration is steadfast in our dedication to collaborating with Tribal nations, government agencies, environmental groups, local communities, and ocean stakeholders.
“Through collective effort, we can establish a robust, sustainable offshore wind sector that guarantees communities nationwide reap the rewards of domestically sourced clean, reliable renewable energy.”
The approximately 132,370-acre lease area is located some 29 miles (mi) from Nantucket and approximately 39 mi offshore Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts.
Highlights from Vineyard Northeast’s proposal include the installation of up to 160 wind turbine generators, up to 3 electrical service platforms (ESPs), and one booster station in an adjacent lease area.
The plans also include two offshore export cable corridors – one to Connecticut and one to Massachusetts – and associated onshore transmission systems.
The publication of the NOI in the Federal Register on 25 March 25 will open a 45-day public comment period for the Vineyard Northeast EIS ending on 9 May 2024.
BOEM proactively extended its standard 30-day comment period to 45 days in order to account for the Atlantic Shores North NOI 45-day public comment period announced earlier this this month.