The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Pivots to Request for Competitive Interest for Gulf of Mexico Offshore Wind Leasing

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (“BOEM”) released a timeline for future action regarding offshore wind in the Gulf of Mexico. BOEM has received an unsolicited lease request from Hecate Energy Gulf Wind LLC (“Hecate Energy”) for two areas off the coast of southeast Texas. This request triggers a Request for Competitive Interest (“RFCI”) that will be published in the Federal Register on July 29, 2024.

The Southeastern Wind Coalition commends BOEM for continuing to thoughtfully advance wind energy in the Gulf of Mexico. These developments, including the cancellation of the next competitive auction for wind energy areas, come at a moment when significant momentum has been achieved in a short time: Louisiana has begun its comprehensive Louisiana Offshore Wind Roadmap, the Department of Energy is assessing transmission needs to support offshore wind energy, the State of Louisiana has issued two operating agreements for wind energy projects in state waters, and a recent Offshore Wind Supply Chain Assessment identified tremendous potential for Louisiana workers and businesses. These advancements provide greater clarity and certainty to support market development in the Gulf of Mexico, in addition to the existing Federal lease held by RWE.

Senior Program Manager Jenny Netherton released the following statement regarding the upcoming release of the RFCI: “With our existing infrastructure and well-developed oil and gas industry, we in Louisiana have known that the Gulf of Mexico presents a unique opportunity compared to other offshore wind markets in the United States. We appreciate BOEM’s continued commitment to define that market and attract interested developers, like Hecate Energy and RWE.” The Southeastern Wind Coalition will continue to work closely with state and federal partners to advance the offshore wind industry in the Gulf of Mexico, including serving on the Advisory Committee of the Louisiana Offshore Wind Roadmap.

Southeastern Wind Coalition | https://sewind.org/