The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has finalised its environmental assessment of an area in the Gulf of Maine that could support 15GW of floating offshore wind capacity.
BOEM found that leasing and site assessment and characterisation activities will not have a significant impact on the environment off the coasts of Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts.
A separate review will look at the installation of offshore turbines, if a leaseholder submits a project proposal.
"BOEM is actively assessing proposed offshore wind activities in the Gulf of Maine by collaborating with Tribes, state and federal agencies, ocean users, local communities, and other stakeholders," said BOEM director Elizabeth Klein.
In April, the US Department of the Interior proposed holding an offshore wind seabed lease auction in the gulf. BOEM anticipates holding the lease sale this autumn, a spokesperson said.
The Gulf of Maine’s deep waters mean that any wind farms there would have to use floating platforms.
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