The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has found no competitive interest, in the area where Virginia's Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy (DMME) proposes to undertake research activities.
In June 2012, DMME submitted an unsolicited request to BOEM, for a research lease. A public notice and request for comment was then issued in December. By 22 January, BOEM had received four comments, none of which expressed a competitive interest. As a result, BOEM can now proceed with the leasing process on a non-competitive basis.
It clears the way for DMME to submit a plan for its proposed research activities. These include the installation of two meteorological and ocean monitoring platforms. Data obtained under the research lease would support the development of wind farms, off the Virginia coast. Eight companies have expressed an interest in developing Virginia’s designated wind energy area.
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