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Final WEAs may be amended prior to implementation
2023-01-28
The US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has identified eight prospective wind energy areas (WEAs) in the Central Atlantic, in close proximity to North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland and Delaware. The regions span a total area of roughly 1.7 million acres, which is slightly less than the original proposed 3.9 million acre region outlined for consideration during April this year. After considering feedback from stakeholders, the final WEAs may be amended prior to implementation.
The American Clean Power Association (ACP) estimates that these areas have the capacity to generate 20.6 gigawatts of offshore wind power. Additionally, five out of the eight draft WEAs are located at shallow depths sufficient for turbines with fixed bottom foundations. According to ACP vice president for offshore wind Josh Kaplowitz, this provides a significant opportunity to extend the fixed bottom project pipeline on the East Coast.
The WEAs' closest points range from 19 to 77 nautical miles off the coast. BOEM has now opened a 30-day comment period, ending December 16th, during which they intend to host two virtual meetings in order to engage with fishing communities and environmental organisations.
The US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has identified eight prospective wind energy areas (WEAs) in the Central Atlantic, in close proximity to North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland and Delaware. The regions span a total area of roughly 1.7 million acres, which is slightly less than the original proposed 3.9 million acre region outlined for consideration during April this year. After considering feedback from stakeholders, the final WEAs may be amended prior to implementation.
The American Clean Power Association (ACP) estimates that these areas have the capacity to generate 20.6 gigawatts of offshore wind power. Additionally, five out of the eight draft WEAs are located at shallow depths sufficient for turbines with fixed bottom foundations. According to ACP vice president for offshore wind Josh Kaplowitz, this provides a significant opportunity to extend the fixed bottom project pipeline on the East Coast.
The WEAs' closest points range from 19 to 77 nautical miles off the coast. BOEM has now opened a 30-day comment period, ending December 16th, during which they intend to host two virtual meetings in order to engage with fishing communities and environmental organisations.