In support of the US administration’s objectives to deploy 30GW of offshore wind energy capacity by 2030 and 15GW of floating offshore wind energy capacity by 2035, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has announced the release of a Call for Information and Nominations (Call) for potential wind energy leasing off the coast of Guam.
This initiative aligns with the Government of Guam’s commitment to producing 50% of its electricity from renewable energy by 2035 and achieving 100% by 2045. The Call seeks public input on areas suitable for offshore wind development and marks a significant step toward enhancing renewable energy infrastructure in the region.
BOEM Director Elizabeth Klein said: “Responsible offshore wind development off Guam’s coast offers a vital opportunity to expand clean energy, cut carbon emissions, and reduce energy costs for Guam residents.
“We remain committed to tackling the climate crisis, achieving President Biden’s energy goals, and ensuring economic opportunities for all, including underserved communities.”
BOEM’s efforts form part of a larger strategy to build a clean energy economy that strengthens the US power grid and generates employment across various sectors, including construction, manufacturing, and shipbuilding.
Since 2022, BOEM has approved 11 commercial-scale offshore wind projects and conducted six offshore wind lease auctions, including record-breaking sales offshore New York and first-ever auctions in the Pacific, Gulf of Mexico, and Gulf of Maine.
The Department of the Interior has also introduced measures to ensure a sustainable offshore wind industry by promoting project labour agreements, strengthening workforce training, supporting the domestic supply chain, and engaging with Indigenous Peoples, fisheries, underserved communities, and ocean users.
The Call will be published on 6 January 2025, initiating a 90-day public consultation period.
During this time, the public can submit comments on site conditions, marine resources, and ocean use within or near the designated Call Area. Wind energy companies will also have the opportunity to nominate specific sites for potential leasing.
Concurrently, BOEM will collaborate with Indigenous Peoples, stakeholder organisations, federal agencies, the Government of Guam, and other ocean users to identify and mitigate potential conflicts. This process aims to determine areas most suitable for offshore wind development while minimising environmental and societal impacts.
The Call Area covers approximately 2.1 million acres in a contiguous zone surrounding Guam, beginning about 3 nautical miles from the island’s coastline and extending to water depths ranging from 350 to 2,200m. Further details, including a map of the area and instructions for submitting comments, are available on BOEM’s Guam webpage.
Following the public consultation period, BOEM will review comments and commercial nominations to assess potential use conflicts and identify specific Wind Energy Areas (WEAs) for leasing consideration. Environmental reviews of these WEAs will be conducted in consultation with federal agencies, the Government of Guam, Indigenous Peoples, and other stakeholders. Upon completing these reviews, BOEM may propose competitive lease sales for areas within the WEAs. The leasing process will include multiple opportunities for public input to ensure transparency and stakeholder involvement.
