The US government has just announced an offshore wind lease sale in the Central Atlantic, which could potentially provide power to up to 2.2 million households.
Sale details
According to the press release, the US Department of the Interior (DOI) has officially released an offshore wind Final Sale Notice and auction for 275,000+ acres off the Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia coasts.
The Final Sale Notice is apparently the final step required of the government agency to initiate a list auction for the area. It includes one area offshore the states of Delaware and Maryland and one area offshore the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The lease auction is set for August 14, 2024. Seventeen qualified companies are expected to participate in the upcoming major offshore wind sale.
This initiative marks the DOI’s latest efforts to expand offshore wind energy prospects.
“Across America’s coasts, we continue to see excitement and momentum for the Biden-Harris administration’s pursuit of a clean energy future. We are taking action to jumpstart America’s offshore wind energy industry and using American innovation to deliver reliable, affordable power to homes and businesses, while also addressing the climate crisis. As we do, we are working collaboratively with states, Tribes and stakeholders to ensure we are making smart decisions and efficient use of our nation’s offshore resources.”
Secretary Deb Haaland
Power generation capacity
The Central Atlantic Wind Energy Areas boast a tremendous clean energy generation capacity of up to 6.3 gigawatts, potentially yielding enough power to support more than 2.2 million households.
In retrospect, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) inked a Memorandum of Understanding with the Maryland government to engage stakeholders in determining acreage for more offshore wind lease auctions in the Atlantic. According to the report, additional acreage is essential to fulfilling the offshore wind objectives of Maryland and other mid-Atlantic states.
“Recognizing the growing demand for offshore wind energy and the diverse set of stakeholders involved, BOEM consistently demonstrates its commitment to working directly with states to ensure their offshore wind targets can be met. These efforts, in combination with the other three lease sales set to happen in 2024, are leading to more jobs, increased investment, and continued growth of the domestic supply chain.”
Liz Burdock, Oceantic Network President and CEO
Potential impact
The major offshore wind sale in the Central Atlantic builds on the investments under the Investing in America agenda. It is expected to generate good-paying jobs for American workers.
As the senior director of offshore wind energy for the National Wildlife Federation explained, it can also help preserve wildlife and communities from climate change.
“Investments in the responsible development of clean, renewable energy, including offshore wind, will provide high-quality job opportunities while helping to protect wildlife and communities from the threat of climate change.
The National Wildlife Federation applauds this important step in the process, and we look forward to working with our Central Atlantic partners to continue increasing offshore wind energy output while pressing for stringent wildlife protections and community engagement every step of the way.”
Amber Hewett, senior director of offshore wind energy for the National Wildlife Federation
In significant advancements, the US government has so far given the green light to the first eight large-scale wind farms in federal waters off the coasts. The BOEM has already initiated four offshore wind lease sales in New York, New Jersey, the Carolinas, the Pacific coast, and “the first-ever sales offshore the Pacific and Gulf of Mexico coasts.” To further accelerate offshore wind development, BOEM has announced plans for up to 12 more lease sales by 2028.
