Trident Winds seeks lease for Washington’s first floating offshore wind project

Trident Winds has made an unsolicited request to the US Bureau of Ocean and Energy Management (BOEM) for a commercial lease to develop the first floating offshore wind farm off the coast of Washington state.

The 2000MW Olympic Wind Olympic Wind (2000MW) Offshoreoff Olympic Peninsula, Washington, USA, North America Click to see full details project would be located 69km off the coast of the Olympic Peninsula.

“The project is expected to generate significant jobs and economic benefits for local communities while helping Washington meet its ambitious climate goals and clean energy targets,” the Seattle-based developer stated.

Following the request, BOEM will conduct an initial review to ensure Trident meets its legal, technical, and financial requirements to hold an offshore lease on the outer commercial shelf. Once confirmed, the agency will issue a public notice of a request for interest to determine if any other parties express interest in the proposed site.

Under the proposed plans, construction could begin as soon as 2028 with operations following in 2030.

Under 2019 legislation, power firms in Washington are required to obtain at least 80% of their electricity from carbon-free sources, rising to 100% by 2045.

“The Olympic Wind project is poised to be the first floating, commercial scale offshore wind installation off the coast of Washington State,” said Trident CEO Alla Weinstein. “The project will harness our unlimited, carbon-free offshore wind resources for the benefit of all Washingtonians.”

Supported by French energy giant TotalEnergies, Trident is also advancing the Castle Wind project off the coast of California where it solicited a commercial lease in 2016.