US picks central Atlantic sites for up to 8GW offshore wind

The Bureau of Ocean energy Management (BOEM) has finalised three areas off the central Atlantic coast to host up to 8GW of offshore wind capacity.

It has selected three areas with a combined area of 1,442km²: off the coasts of Delaware Bay, Delaware and Pennsylvania, Ocean City, Maryland, and Chesapeake Bay, Virginia (see below).

BOEM believes they could support 4-8GW of offshore wind capacity.

The sites have relatively shallow depths – most likely enabling the use of fixed-bottom foundations. However, BOEM stated that it may later identify additional central Atlantic wind energy areas in deeper waters.

BOEM stated that it had consulted tribal governments, state and federal agencies, and ocean users before selecting the three areas.

It is due to publish a notice of intent to prepare environmental assessments for the three central Atlantic areas tomorrow (1 August), starting a 30-day comment period. It will hold another comment period if it decides to move forward with a lease sale for any of the three areas.