The Business Network for Offshore Wind, the nation's leading organization dedicated to building a domestic offshore wind supply chain, applauds today's (Aug 15) announcement by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) releasing new draft Wind Energy Areas (WEAs) off the coast of Oregon. These new WEAs will contribute significantly to developing the regional market for floating offshore wind on the West Coast, fostering greater market confidence that should lead to investments in ports and manufacturing facilities and supply chain companies in the region.
The two WEAs cover more than 200,000 acres, which brings them in line with Oregon's 3 GW planning goal passed by the legislature in 2021. Critically, BOEM maintained the vast majority of the WEAs in water depths less than 1,300 meters deep. While this depth will require advanced floating technology, it remains within the capability of near-term technological development. With the release of draft WEAs, BOEM is maintaining the leasing schedule it committed to in 2021.
The following statement can be attributed to Liz Burdock, founder and CEO of the Business Network for Offshore Wind:
"We welcome the release of new draft wind energy areas off Oregon's coast and applaud BOEM for maintaining its leasing schedule, which will build the industry's momentum by going through timely auction processes. The U.S. has an opportunity to emerge as a global leader in floating offshore wind; the development of a regionwide, not state specific, supply chain is critical to building the expertise and manufacturing base capable of supporting the industry. The introduction of these new WEAs will benefit not just Oregon, but California and Washington by attracting new investments in ports, vessels, and supply chain companies and delivering reliable power to the Western grid. We look forward to the results of this auction and the proliferation of offshore wind energy on the West Coast."
Additional Information:
- BOEM Identifies Draft Wind Energy Areas Offshore Oregon for Public Review and Comment
- BOEM Oregon Activities Page
- BOEM's Proposed OSW Leasing Schedule
For more information or to arrange an interview with the Network, contact Luke Jeanfreau at luke@offshorewindus.org or 504-444-3766.
The Business Network for Offshore Wind is the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to establishing a robust offshore wind supply chain in the U.S. It advances the industry forward through education, facilitating partnerships, and events, including the International Partnering Forum, the largest offshore wind conference in America. Learn more at offshorewindus.org.
Media Contact: Luke Jeanfreau | luke@offshorewindus.org | 504-444-3766
