BOEM Completes Environmental Review Ahead of Gulf of Maine Wind Leases
BOEM Clears Key Environmental Review for Offshore Wind in the Gulf of Maine
The U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has taken a significant step toward advancing offshore wind development in the Gulf of Maine. Following a comprehensive environmental review, BOEM concluded that future wind energy activities in the region would not adversely impact the environment. This review, which follows BOEM’s earlier announcements in March and April regarding potential lease areas, marks a key milestone as the agency prepares for commercial leasing opportunities.
In its final Environmental Assessment (EA), BOEM assessed potential wind energy leases off the coasts of Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. The assessment primarily focused on preliminary activities such as conducting surveys and installing meteorological buoys. Importantly, the review did not cover the installation of offshore turbines, which will require a separate assessment if a project proposal is submitted by any future leaseholder.
The Gulf of Maine has been identified as having the capacity to generate 15 GW of renewable energy, potentially powering more than five million homes. BOEM has already designated eight potential lease areas spanning nearly one million acres for future wind energy development. The agency is committed to minimizing the impact of wind projects on other ocean activities and marine ecosystems, ensuring responsible development in the region.
As part of the Biden-Harris administration’s broader goals to expand offshore wind, the Gulf of Maine is poised to contribute significantly to the target of deploying 30 GW of offshore wind energy capacity by 2030. Additionally, efforts are underway to launch pilot projects for floating wind turbines, with BOEM expecting to hold lease sales in the Gulf of Maine as early as 2024 and 2025.
