Maine Issued First Floating Offshore Wind Lease

The Biden administration has awarded the first floating offshore wind energy research lease to the state of Maine, covering approximately 15,000 acres about 28 nautical miles offshore. This initiative allows for the potential deployment of up to 12 floating wind turbines capable of generating 144 megawatts of renewable energy, while primarily focusing on studying the technology's environmental impacts and compatibility with local marine life and the fishing industry. Construction of the project is not expected to begin for several years, as Maine must first propose a detailed research plan. The initiative aligns with the administration's goal of deploying 30 gigawatts of offshore wind capacity by 2030 and aims to foster job growth and combat climate change. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Director Elizabeth Klein emphasized that floating wind technology opens opportunities for renewable energy production in deeper waters, signifying a commitment to a clean energy future. This lease also serves as a precursor to a potential auction for commercial offshore wind leases in the Gulf of Maine later this year.