WASHINGTON – The U.S. government announced Tuesday that it would be going forward with long-discussed plans to auction federal leases off the Atlantic Ocean coast for the development of offshore wind energy.<\/p>\n
The sales, to take place in late July, will be the first time that federal lands have been offered on a competitive basis for the United States\u2019 nascent offshore wind business. Proponents say the industry has significant potential, but for decades it has lagged far behind the country\u2019s onshore wind sector \u2013 even as offshore usage has strengthened significantly in other countries.<\/p>\n
\u201cToday\u2019s announcement is an important milestone in efforts to launch the offshore wind industry in the United States,\u201d Chris Long, manager of offshore wind and siting policy for the American Wind Energy Association, a trade group, told IPS. \u201cOffshore wind energy represents a significant opportunity for our country, and developing this industry will help to create thousands of new jobs.\u201d<\/p>\n
Currently, the Interior Department has approved nine companies to take part in the auction, which will offer around 165,000 acres in two blocks off the coast of the eastern states of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. A third area off the coast of Virginia could be offered for lease later this year.<\/p>\n
According to recent analysis by the Department of Energy\u2019s National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the initial two blocks will be able to produce a regular supply of around 3,500 megawatts, enough to power around a million U.S. homes.<\/p>\n