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Covering 195,012 acres, the two wind energy areas (WEAs) can generate 2.4GW of energy.
The US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has designated two offshore WEAs off Oregon’s coast, with the potential to generate 2.4GW of clean energy.
The regions, which span 195,012 acres (78,919 hectares), are situated in southern Oregon.
The Brookings WEA is located 18 miles (28km) from the coast and offers 133,808 acres of seabed, while the Coos Bay WEA covers 61,204 acres at locations 32 miles from the coast.
These areas have been allocated after engaging with and taking feedback from the state, First Nations Tribes, local residents, ocean users, federal government partners and other members of the public.
BOEM director Elizabeth Klein stated: “BOEM values its close coordination with the state of Oregon as we continue to work together to maintain a robust and transparent offshore wind planning process.”
“We will continue to work closely with Tribal governments, federal and state government agencies, ocean users, coastal communities and all interested stakeholders as we move forward with our environmental review.”
The federal agency plans to publish a notice for the preparation of an environmental assessment to evaluate the potential impacts of offshore wind leasing within these WEAs on 14 February 2024.
The publication will commence a 30-day public comment period, allowing stakeholders to contribute their insights.
Should the BOEM proceed with a lease sale, another opportunity for public comment will be provided.
The process leading to the finalization of these WEAs follows the BOEM’s public comment period launched in August 2023 on the two draft WEAs offshore southern Oregon.
In November 2023, Dominion Energy secured approval from the BOEM for its proposed 2.6GW Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project, to be located 23.5 nautical miles offshore Virginia Beach.
