The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
(BOEM) today announced it has finalized two Wind Energy Areas (WEAs) in the Gulf of Mexico, with the potential to produce enough clean wind energy to power nearly 3 million homes.
The first site is located some 24 nautical miles off the coast of Galveston, Texas. The second is located approximately 56 nautical miles off the coast of Lake Charles, La. Over 2 million homes could be provided energy from these two projects.
Back in June 2021, the U.S. Department of the Interior announced its intent to assess potential opportunities to advance offshore wind development on the Gulf of Mexico Outer Continental Shelf (OCS).
BOEM slightly reduced the size of the WEAs from their draft versions to address concerns expressed by the Department of Defense and the U.S. Coast Guard regarding shipping, marine navigation, and military operations.
These two wind energy areas represent exciting progress toward having the first offshore wind lease sale in the Gulf of Mexico, where there is a mature industry base and the know-how to advance energy development in the OCS. The region can play a central role in our nation's clean energy transition to support good-paying jobs, and fight climate change, said BOEM Director Amanda Lefton. ABOEM will continue to work with the coastal states and communities as we advance our work and do so in a manner that seeks to avoid or minimize conflicts with other ocean uses and marine life in the Gulf of Mexico.
