The US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has made issued its final environmental assessment of the wind energy area in the Gulf of Maine.
This followed input in June and July from local communities, Tribes, ocean users and others.
The final environmental report assessed the potential granting of commercial wind energy leases offshore Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. It took into account potential environmental impacts associated with surveys and installing meteorological buoys.
BOEM concluded that leasing and site assessment and characterization activities would not have a significant impact on the environment. Installation of offshore turbines will be assessed in a separate environmental review if a leaseholder submits a project proposal.
In addition, the US Biden-Harris administration has approved the Maryland Offshore Wind Project covering a lease area 8.7 nautical miles offshore Maryland and 9 nautical miles from Sussex County, Delaware, at its closest points to shore.
The project comprises three planned phases, which include the proposed installation of up to 114 wind turbine generators, up to four offshore substation platforms, one meteorological tower and up to four offshore export cable corridors.
Two other phases, MarWin and Momentum Wind, have already received offshore renewable energy certificates from the state of Maryland.
