The US government has kicked off an offshore wind competitive lease sale in Hawaii.
Secretary of the interior Sally Jewell issued a call for information and nominations on Wednesday to gauge developer interest in two areas offshore Oahu spanning about 485,000 acres.
It is the first step in a competitive auction process. “Today’s announcement marks another milestone in the president’s plan to support clean, renewable energy from the nation’s vast wind and solar resources,” said Jewell.
“Hawaii has important offshore wind energy potential, and we will continue our work with stakeholders across the spectrum to create a path forward for sustainable offshore energy development in the right places with the lowest conflicts across the Aloha State.”
Two developers, Progression Energy and Alpha Wind Energy, have already tossed their hats into the ring.
The call is a chance for other offshore wind companies to come forward. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management also seeks public input, including comments on site conditions, resources and existing uses.
BOEM has also published a notice of intent to prepare an environmental assessment in the call area.
Progression has planned a 400MW project while Alpha proposes to build a pair of 408MW wind farms. Both proponents plan to install turbines on Principle Power’s semi-submersible WindFloat foundations.
The developers hope to help Hawaii reach its renewable energy goal of 100% by 2045.
Image: the Windfloat system in action off Portugal (Principle Power)
Open season off Hawaii
Developers invited to join Progression and Alpha in competitive lease round
By EBS