US interior lease continental shelf area to support 4,000 MW wind energy

The US interior department and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) have announced competitive bidding for the lease of 278,000 acres off the coast of Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Virginia to produce renewable energy.

Land will be used for generating 4,000 MW of wind energy, enough to supply 1.4 million homes with electricity.

The two areas for the offshore wind project development are expected to enhance domestic power production and signify the first competitive sale lease of the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) for generate wind energy.

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar said the wind energy potential along the Atlantic will provide enhanced energy security for the country.

"We are implementing the President’s all-of-the-above strategy by focusing on developing areas with the lowest potential conflicts and the greatest expected gains.

"As we experience record domestic oil and gas development, we are moving forward at the same time with efforts to ensure that America continues to lead the world at developing the energy of the future," Salazar stated.

Deputy Secretary Hayes added, "By working closely with Rhode Island and the other states to identify the best areas for offshore wind farms, winning bidders will have a clear pathway to successfully harness our world-class offshore wind resource."

The lease sales are scheduled to be held in 2013 under the Obama Administration’s "Smart from the Start" wind energy program to enable siting, leasing and construction of new projects.