‘This joint framework with DOE will bring together resources and expertise from both agencies as we pursue the environmentally responsible development of these valuable renewable energy resources,’ says Ken Salazar, secretary of the DOI.
The DOI and DOE will use this agreement to spur the development of future commercial-scale offshore wind and water energy projects. According to DOE's ‘20% Wind Energy by 2030’ report, offshore wind alone has the potential to produce 54,000 MW by 2030.
The MOU between the DOI and the DOE will facilitate the development of these domestic energy resources by pursuing priority leasing and efficient regulatory processes for sites with high, commercial-scale offshore wind and water power development potential.
The two agencies will exchange information on resources and technologies, conduct stakeholder engagements, and collaborate on research projects. These activities will augment the scientific and technical exchanges that already occur between the two departments.
The MOU states that within 30 days of its signing, an interagency working group will develop an action plan covering the following areas:
– development of attainable deployment goals for offshore wind and marine and hydrokinetic energy on the OCS;
– siting and permitting;
– resource assessment;
– technical standards; and
– data exchange and public engagement.
SOURCE: U.S. Department of the Interior
