Offshore

Maine’s lease approved for floating offshore wind site

Maine’s lease approved for floating offshore wind site
(Photo courtesy: Nicholas Doherty/Unsplash)

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) announced the availability of its Final Environmental Assessment (Final EA) of an offshore wind research lease in the Gulf of Maine, with the Bureau finding no significant impacts from the proposed lease activities.

“Floating wind technology can make offshore wind a reality in the Gulf of Maine,” said BOEM Director Elizabeth Klein. “BOEM will continue to work in partnership with the state of Maine as we move forward to facilitate the responsible development of offshore wind in this region, as well as the deployment of floating offshore wind technology nationwide.”

In October 2021, the state of Maine requested a research lease for the purpose of researching floating offshore wind energy technology and its deployment. The research site lies 28 nautical miles off the coast of Maine, roughly southeast of Portland, and if developed would comprise up to 12 floating offshore wind turbines capable of generating up to 144 MW.

On May 29, 2024, BOEM will publish a notice in the Federal Register. Since BOEM concluded that the issuance of a lease within the proposed area offshore Maine would have no significant impact on the environment, under the National Environmental Policy Act, BOEM is not required to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement.

“This offer of a lease is a major milestone in our effort to embrace these significant economic and environmental benefits for Maine and Maine people and is a recognition of our nation-leading work to responsibly develop this promising industry,” said Maine Gov. Janet Mills. “My Administration looks forward to reviewing the lease from BOEM over the coming weeks as we strive to advance critical research into floating offshore wind in the Gulf of Maine.”

Gov. Janet Mills signed a bill last year that aims to see Maine procure enough energy from offshore wind turbines to power about half its electric load by 2040. An offshore wind port to build, stage, and deploy the turbine equipment is a major component of that effort. The port is also key for developing the research array, which would include up to 12 turbines on semi-submersible concrete platforms in federal waters.

Mills has said Maine is positioned to become a leader in offshore wind development. The port is expected to cost about $500 million, and Maine is seeking funding from federal and other sources, she said. The proposal will also be subject to extensive state and federal permitting.

This article contains reporting from the Associated Press.

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