The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has executed the nation’s first floating offshore wind energy research lease, with an area covering 15,000 acres located 28 nautical miles offshore Maine on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf.
The bureau says the lease could allow for the deployment of 12 floating offshore wind turbines capable of generating 144 MW.
The research array is expected to allow the state, fishing community, wildlife experts, offshore wind industry and others to conduct studies and evaluate floating offshore wind as a renewable energy source in the region. Research conducted on the array will evaluate its compatibility with existing ocean uses and assess its potential effects on the environment, supply chains and job creation.
“Floating wind opens up opportunities to produce renewable energy in deeper water farther offshore.” says BOEM Director Elizabeth Klein.
“Signing the Gulf of Maine research lease demonstrates the commitment by both BOEM and the State of Maine to promote a clean energy future for the nation. It is another example of a successful all-of-government effort to reach the administration’s offshore wind energy goals and to combat the impacts of climate change.”
BOEM received an application from the State of Maine for a renewable energy research lease in October 2021. In March 2023, BOEM issued a Determination of No Competitive Interest for the area identified in Maine’s application.
BOEM engaged with the State of Maine Governor’s Energy Office throughout the application review and lease development process to develop a lease that yields research on offshore wind in the Gulf of Maine. In May, BOEM offered a research lease to the state after completing a Final Environmental Assessment and associated finding of no significant impacts.
As a research lease, the State of Maine or its designated operator will propose and conduct research regarding environmental and engineering aspects of the proposed project. This information will be made public and used to inform future planning, permitting and construction of commercial-scale floating offshore wind projects in the region.
Construction activity on the research array is not likely to occur for several years. The lessee is first required to submit a Research Activities Plan to BOEM, which will undergo environmental analysis under the National Environmental Policy Act. Additional details on the timing of construction will become clearer as the permitting process progresses.
