US Offshore Wind Milestone: $22M Gulf of Maine Lease Sale Powers 2.3M Homes

U.S. Conducts First Floating Offshore Wind Lease Sale on Atlantic Coast

The U.S. government has completed its inaugural commercial sale for floating offshore wind leases on the Atlantic coast, focusing on the New England region. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) secured nearly $22 million in winning bids for four lease areas from two companies, marking a significant step towards President Joe Biden’s goal of expanding offshore wind energy capacity by 2030.

The lease areas, located in the Gulf of Maine, span over 625 square miles and have the potential to power more than 2.3 million homes. U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland emphasized the importance of these leases in combating climate change and creating jobs.

Avangrid Renewables successfully bid on two leases for areas 35 miles from Massachusetts, while Invenergy NE Offshore Wind secured two leases 25 miles from the state’s coastline. Avangrid CEO Pedro Azagra highlighted the strategic opportunity these leases present in meeting New England’s energy needs and advancing floating wind technology crucial for deep-water offshore wind development.

However, the lease sale has faced opposition from commercial fishermen, particularly in the U.S. lobster industry. The Maine Lobstermen’s Association argues that the Gulf of Maine is unsuitable for offshore wind development and cites risks to marine ecosystems.

Conversely, environmental and renewable energy groups, such as the Conservation Law Foundation, advocate for wind power as essential to reducing climate emissions. They view the lease sale as a crucial step in the U.S. clean energy transition.

This development comes as a planned floating offshore wind sale off Oregon was postponed due to a lack of interest and opposition. Despite challenges, the New England lease sale represents a significant milestone in the nation’s efforts to diversify its energy infrastructure and combat climate change.