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First Proposed Wind Energy Project Off The Oregon Coast

11/10/2013

Off the shores of the United States and the Great Lakes is a power source with four times the energy potential of the entire U.S. electric power system: the wind, writes the U.S.Department of Energy.

Off the shores of the United States and the Great Lakes is a power source with four times the energy potential of the entire U.S. electric power system: the wind, writes the U.S.Department of Energy. Offshore winds blow stronger and more uniformly than on land, resulting in greater potential to generate energy. The development of the United States’ plentiful offshore wind resources could deliver large amounts of clean energy close to cities and towns ready to use it. By Amber Archangel

The following is an official Bureau of Ocean Energy Management news release:

America’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) to Assess Competitive Interest in First Proposed Wind Energy Project Site off the Oregon Coast.
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WindFloat is a floating support structure for offshore wind turbines with a simple, economic and patented design.

The proposed WindFloat Pacific Project, which would be located about 16 nautical miles west of Coos Bay, Oregon in about 1,200 feet of water, is designed to generate 30 Megawatts (MW) of electricity from five “WindFloat” units, each equipped with a 6 MW offshore wind turbine.

The proposed lease area covers about 15 square miles. In addition to inquiring about competitive interest, BOEM is also seeking public comment on the proposal, its potential environmental consequences, and the use of the area in which the proposed project would be located.
Public Comment Sought on Floating Wind Turbines Pilot Proposal

BOEM must assess whether there are other parties interested in developing commercial wind facilities in the same area in order to determine whether it is appropriate to issue a lease on a non-competitive basis, or whether a competitive process is required.

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Principle Power targets the rapidly maturing offshore wind sector by eliminating current deep-water limitations with an innovative and economic solution. 

BOEM Director Tommy P. Beaudreau:

Today’s announcement represents an important step forward in the President’s all-of-the-above energy strategy as we seek to facilitate renewable, clean energy generation off America’s West Coast. We will work closely with the state of Oregon and stakeholders to share information and resolve issues in order to make responsible wind energy development in federal waters a reality.

As part of this Administration’s plan to create American jobs, cut carbon pollution, and develop domestic energy sources, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) on September 27, 2013, issued a request to determine whether there is competitive interest in leasing an area offshore Oregon that Principle Power, Inc. has proposed for a pilot-scale floating wind energy project.

The Bureau’s request for interest, which include the pubic’s comments on the proposed project, opened on 30, September 2013 and will remain open for comments for the next 30 days. 

By Le My