The US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) today identified a Draft Wind Energy Area (WEA) in the Gulf of Maine with a potential capacity of more than 40GW, opening a 30-day public review and comment period.
The Draft WEA covers approximately 3,519,067 acres offshore Maine, Massachusetts and New Hampshire, ranging from approximately 23 – 120 miles off the coast.
Future adjustments to the Draft WEA will likely be made after incorporating feedback during the comment period, while striving to retain sufficient area to meet the Gulf of Maine states’ planning goals.
BOEM is also seeking comments on whether to add all or parts of three secondary areas that were identified for additional analysis but not part of the Draft WEA.
BOEM director Elizabeth Klein said: “BOEM will continue to prioritize a robust and transparent planning process, including engagement with Tribal governments, federal and state agencies, the fishing community and other ocean users.
“BOEM strives to minimise potential impacts and will continue working hard to finalise offshore areas that have strong resource potential and the fewest environmental and user conflicts.”
The Gulf of Maine has significant opportunities for offshore wind energy development, which will create good-paying jobs and new economic activity, BOEM said.
Due to the deep waters within the Gulf of Maine, these areas are also an opportunity to accelerate US leadership in floating technologies, the agency added.
Of the Gulf of Maine states Massachusetts has set a 10GW target, while Maine is seeking to develop 3GW of offshore wind.