</## WASHINGTON — Offering a Boost to Clean Energy and Innovation
On Tuesday, October 29, 2024, the Biden-Harris administration completed their sixth offshore wind lease sale by making an seminal move in the Gulf of Maine. This groundbreaking effort features the first commercial sale for floating offshore wind in the Atlantic Coast region. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) organized the sale, which included two successful bidders across four lease areas, resulting in over $21.9 million in winning bids.
Milestones in Pieces of the Administration’s Clean Energy Ambition
The Gulf of Maine lease sale marks another milestones in the initiative toward President Biden’s ambitious clean energy targets. By setting the goal to deploy 30 gigawatts of offshore wind energy by 2030 and 15 gigawatts of floating offshore wind by 2035, the Biden-Harris administration primes the market for new infrastructure and jobs.
Quotes from Stakeholders
Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland reflected on this significant step, stating, “Since the start of the Biden-Harris administration, we’ve been committed to achieving our clean energy goals. With ten approved projects, we are well on the way toward powering over 5 million homes through offshore wind. Today’s successful auction marks yet another milestone in our fight against climate change and the creation of good-paying jobs.”
BOEM Director Elizabeth Klein added, “We have engaged with over a hundred local communities for this process to ensure offshore wind development is accomplished correctly. Collaboration with partners and stakeholders is key to making progress.”
Companies Securing Key Offshore Lease Areas
Through the leasing process, Avangrid Renewables, LLC won Lease OCS-564 for $4.9 million and Lease OCS-568 for $6.2 million, while Invenergy NE Offshore Wind, LLC secured Lease OCS-562 for $4.7 million and Lease OCS-567 for $5.9 million. Each lease area is strategically positioned to supply energy to communities in Massachusetts and Maine.
Commitments and Bidding Credits
The lease sale resulted in over $5.4 million in total bidding credits, representing commitments to over $2.7 million in workforce training and supply chain investments and another $2.7 million for fisheries compensatory mitigation.
Recognizing the Potential of Offshore Wind
Offshore wind has massive potential, as evidenced by the six lease sales completed thus far by the administration. With each sale, more communities will generate clean energy and bolster the U.S. economy with green jobs and local economic development.
Conclusion
In summary, the Biden-Harris administration’s sixth offshore wind lease sale in the Gulf of Maine signifies a significant step forward in meeting the President’s clean energy targets. By providing opportunities for renewable energy providers to secure lease areas and promoting collaboration and innovation, this sale further supports the administration’s vision of a sustainable energy future.
Transforming America with Offshore Wind
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Call to Action
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