Department of Interior Announces First-Ever Offshore Wind Lease Sale in Oregon

The U.S. Department of the Interior has announced plans for the first-ever offshore wind energy lease sale off the coast of Oregon.

In October, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) will auction two areas that could generate over 3.1 gigawatts of renewable energy—enough to power about one million homes.

“The advancement of the first offshore wind sale in Oregon marks years of engagement with state partners, Tribes, ocean users and industry, and the Administration’s commitment to building a thriving and sustainable clean energy industry,” said Secretary Deb Haaland.

The Final Sale Notice (FSN), to be published in the Federal Register on September 3, 2024, details two lease areas off southern Oregon:

1. Lease Area P-OCS 0566 (Coos Bay): 61,203 acres, about 32 miles offshore
2. Lease Area P-OCS 0567 (Brookings): 133,792 acres, roughly 18 miles from the coast

The two areas are located in water depths ranging from 560 to more than 1,500 meters, making them optimal for floating offshore wind technology.

The FSN includes stipulations to promote domestic supply chain development, advance transmission planning, and create union jobs. It also requires engagement with Tribes, underserved communities, and ocean users.

“By working together, we will unlock a future where clean energy and shared prosperity go hand in hand, combating climate change while creating opportunities for all,” said BOEM Director Elizabeth Klein.

The sale is part of the Biden-Harris administration’s broader efforts to expand domestic offshore wind energy opportunities and combat climate change. The Department has already approved nine commercial-scale offshore wind projects and held five lease sales, including the first-ever sale for water the U.S. west coast, with plans for additional sales through 2028.

The first offshore wind lease sale in U.S. Pacific waters was held in December 2022 and concluded with high bids totaling $757.1 million. The auction offered five lease areas spanning 373,268 acres off California’s coast—specifically in the Morro Bay area on the central coast and Humboldt County in the north. The areas were rated to produce over 4.6 GW of offshore wind energy, potentially powering 1.5 million homes.

It should be noted that the lease sale does not constitute final approval for project-specific plans. Any proposed developments will be subject to further environmental, technical, and public reviews.

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