The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has finalized its designation of a Wind Energy Area (WEA) within the Gulf of Maine. The Final WEA has the potential to assist era of 32GW of fresh power, surpassing present state objectives for offshore wind power within the Gulf of Maine: 10GW for Massachusetts and 3GW for Maine.
The WEA totals about two million acres offshore Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, starting from roughly 23 – 92 miles off the coast.
BOEM finalized the WEA after intensive engagement with the states of Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, Tribes, native residents, ocean customers together with the fishing neighborhood, federal authorities companions, and different members of the general public. Based on the suggestions acquired about pure and cultural assets and present ocean makes use of, the WEA represents an 80% discount from the realm BOEM initially recognized for attainable leasing and a 43% discount from the Draft WEA.
The ensuing WEA avoids vital areas for lobster fishing and North Atlantic proper whale habitat. Additionally, in response to preliminary conversations with Tribal Nations situated inside Maine, the WEA strives to keep away from a majority of the historic and present-day fishing grounds of these Tribes.
