We are moving forward to determine
“No challenge poses a greater threat to future generations than climate change, and today’s announcement marks yet another milestone in the President’s strategy to develop renewable energy, create American jobs and strengthen the nation’s energy security future,” said Secretary Jewell. “In close coordination with our partners in North Carolina, we are moving forward to determine what places make sense to harness the enormous wind energy potential off the Atlantic seaboard.”
Today’s announcement builds on BOEM’s work to jumpstart development of offshore wind through a collaborative state-federal process to identify Wind Energy Areas and hold competitive lease sales. To date, BOEM has awarded seven commercial wind energy leases off the Atlantic coast: two non-competitive leases (Cape Wind in Nantucket Sound off Massachusetts and an area off Delaware) and five competitive leases (two offshore Massachusetts-Rhode Island, two offshore Maryland and another offshore Virginia). Together, the competitive lease sales have generated more than $14 million in high bids for over 357,000 acres in federal waters. BOEM is expected to hold two additional competitive lease sale auctions in 2015: the Massachusetts lease sale will occur on January 29, and the New Jersey lease sale will follow later this year.
The Wind Energy Areas identified by BOEM offshore North Carolina total about 307,590 acres and include the Kitty Hawk Wind Energy Area (about 122,405 acres), the Wilmington West Wind Energy Area (about 51,595 acres), and the Wilmington East Wind Energy Area (about 133,590 acres). A map of the three areas can be found by clicking here.