US Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland has unveiled a comprehensive five-year plan for offshore wind leasing, outlining a schedule that includes up to 12 lease sales by 2028.
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is set to conduct future lease sales in various regions, encompassing the Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, Pacific, and offshore waters of US territories. The plan entails four lease sales in the current year, with one each slated for 2025 and 2026, followed by two in 2027 and a concluding four in 2028.
Under the current Biden-Harris administration, the Department of the Interior has already overseen four lease auctions and greenlit over 10 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind capacity. Speaking at the International Partnering Forum conference in New Orleans, Louisiana, Secretary Deb Haaland emphasized the administration’s commitment to advancing the offshore wind sector.
Haaland stated, “The Biden-Harris administration, under the leadership of our Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, has spearheaded the development of an offshore wind industry, overcoming previous delays. Looking ahead, this new leasing schedule is poised to facilitate renewable energy projects essential for reducing consumer costs, combating climate change, generating employment opportunities, and ensuring economic inclusivity.”
Highlighting the importance of predictability in fostering offshore wind development, Haaland emphasized that the leasing schedule aims to provide certainty for developers and communities, enabling them to plan effectively. She underscored the significance of maintaining momentum in offshore wind supply chain and manufacturing investments, fostering continued growth in the sector.