Project development facts
Clean energy projects must locate a site, secure financing, conduct environmental reviews, find buyers for the power, obtain permits, and communicate with local stakeholders. Getting the development process right ensures projects are profitable, have minimal environmental impact, and are embraced by the community.
A Majority Renewables Future
This first-of-its-kind study details clean energy’s potential to unlock economic growth and achieve majority renewable electricity generation within the next decade.
Offshore wind development
Offshore wind development
Most of America’s offshore wind projects will be built in federal waters. As such, the Department of Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) oversees permitting and construction, identifying potential areas for development on the Outer Continental Shelf based on extensive public input.
Offshore wind development
BOEM solicits public comments, convenes Intergovernmental Renewable Energy Task Forces (Task Forces), and holds public meetings throughout the development process. BOEM always wants to hear from the public and receive all available information to ensure it makes the most informed decisions possible.
Offshore wind development
The development process starts when BOEM determines interest from a state, either through a governor’s request for BOEM to establish a Task Force and hold meetings or when one or more companies seek to build an offshore wind farm in federal waters. This is a multiyear process with ample stakeholder engagement.
Offshore wind development
BOEM has public comment periods seeking input on site conditions, resources, and multiple uses in close proximity to, or within, potential development areas (Call Areas). Comments should be relevant to BOEM’s review as well as its decision to offer all or part of the Call Areas for leasing. After incorporating extensive public feedback, BOEM identifies Wind Energy Areas (“WEAs”), which are the parts of the OCS that appear most suitable for commercial wind energy activities, while presenting the fewest apparent environmental and user conflicts. These are generally smaller than Call Areas because they incorporate feedback from interested parties, including state and federal agencies and other ocean users, like the fishing and commercial shipping industries. Next, BOEM will then commence a lease process including additional opportunities for public comment.
Offshore wind development
Once an offshore wind developer has won the rights through a federal lease auction to develop a project, collecting wind data, mapping and surveying the ocean floor, and conducting environmental impact studies that include evaluation of multiple resources such as wildlife, maritime use, impacts to tribes and , environmental justice, among many others, are all part of project development. The project developer must continue working with BOEM and other federal agencies to secure all necessary permits prior to commencing construction.
Join American Clean Power
Take a seat at the table as we discuss the most important policy decisions facing our industry, exchange information and best practices with other leaders, receive exclusive policy briefings and invitations to attend industry events, and gain access to proprietary industry data and tools that can help grow your business.
Stay informed
Subscribe to the American Clean Power and receive the latest renewable energy news, policy updates, and opportunities to get involved.