The US Department of the Interior announced an upcoming offshore wind energy lease sale for eight areas off the Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine coasts.
The 13 gigawatts (GW) of clean offshore wind energy produced in these areas is expected to power over 4.5 million homes.
This equals half of President Biden’s budget, which is required to reach his 2030 target of 30 GW of offshore wind energy.
The lease sale follows the Department’s recent approval of over 15 gigawatts of offshore wind projects since the start of the Biden-Harris administration.
The Interior Department has conducted five offshore wind lease sales, including auctions for areas offshore the Gulf of Mexico, Central Atlantic, and New York Pacific.
Additionally, they authorized ten commercial-scale offshore wind projects.
Also read: US Department of the Interior approves ninth offshore wind project
Secretary Deb Haaland said, “The growing enthusiasm for the clean energy future is infectious. Today’s announcement – which builds on the execution of the nation’s first floating offshore wind energy research lease in Maine last month – is the result of years of thoughtful coordination between our team, the Gulf of Maine states, industry and the Tribes and ocean users who share our interest in the health and longevity of our ocean.”
She added, “The Biden-Harris administration’s unwavering commitment to building a vibrant and sustainable offshore clean energy sector is strengthening our fight against the climate crisis and building a healthier, more resilient planet for generations to come.”
Also read: US Department of the Interior announces offshore wind lease sale in Central Atlantic
The Final Sale Notice (FSN) covers about 120,000 acres and contains information about the lease auction, provisions, and conditions.
The offshore wind industry is anticipated to generate high-paying employment and contribute to a sustainable energy economy as part of the Biden-Harris administration’s Investing in America agenda.
The FSN’s lease provisions are designed to guarantee transmission planning flexibility and to encourage the growth of a US floating wind technology supply chain.