North American Windpower: Virginia Agency Seeking Lease For Offshore Wind Energy Research

by NAW Staff on Wednesday 26 December 2012

The U.S. Department of the Interior's (DOI) Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) says it has received an unsolicited request for a research lease in the wind energy area (WEA) off Virginia identified for commercial wind leasing.

The research would inform future renewable energy production within and around the WEA off Virginia. BOEM seeks public input on the research proposal.

Virginia's Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy (DMME) submitted the request to conduct wind-energy-related research activities, including the installation of two meteorological and ocean monitoring platforms that would collect data on wind velocities, water levels, waves, and bird and bat activities.

BOEM has published a public notice of an unsolicited request for an Outer Continental Shelf research lease, a request for competitive interest, and a request for public comment in the Federal Register in order to obtain public input on the research proposal, its potential environmental consequences and the use of the area in which the proposed project would be located.

BOEM is also asking whether there are federal agencies or state entities interested in obtaining a research lease within the same area identified by DMME that would support potential wind energy development. The public comment period ends Jan. 22.

A map of the proposed leasing area is available here.

Don't miss the latest wind energy news -- register to receive NAW's news headlines.

Latest Top Stories

As U.S. DOJ Investigates, Duke Works Adaptive Management Plan

With previous golden eagle fatalities reported at two company-owned wind farms in Wyoming, Duke Energy Renewables is going to great lengths to protect raptors.

DOE To Recast Landmark 20% Wind Energy Report; Study Looks Back, Ahead

The U.S. Department of Energy will update its 20% Wind Energy By 2030 report, which indicated increased levels of wind penetration for the U.S. is not only possible but feasible.

Wind Energy Procurement Top Of Mind For Big-Name Companies

With greater frequency, top-tier companies are discovering the economic and environmental power of wind energy and upping their investments in the resource.

WINDPOWER Panelists Issue A Call To Arms: Protect RPS Mandates

Votes on several legislative bills concerning state renewable portfolio standards (RPS) are nearing. How can you help protect and maintain these development drivers?

Wind Industry Still Awaits First Eagle-Take Permit Under BGEPA

The first wind developer to apply for a take permit under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act has withdrawn its application.