Oregon’s Offshore Wind Auction Set for October 2024

BOEM to Offer Leases for 3.1 GW of Wind Energy, Powering One Million Homes

Table of Contents

• Auction Overview
• Key Area Details
• Environmental Impact
• Community Concerns
• Qualified Bidders

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The Department of the Interior (DOI) has announced an upcoming auction for two Wind Energy Areas (WEAs) off the coast of Oregon, scheduled for October 15, 2024. Managed by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), this auction will open the door for significant offshore wind energy development in the region.

Auction Overview

• Wind Energy Areas: Coos Bay (Lease Area P-OCS 0566) and Brookings (Lease Area P-OCS 0567).
• Capacity: Combined potential of up to 3.1 gigawatts (GW) of wind energy.
• Homes Powered: Enough to supply around one million homes.

Key Details

• Coos Bay WEA:
  • Location: 32 miles from shore
  • Area: 61,203 acres (248 square kilometers)
• Brookings WEA:
  • Location: 18 miles from shore
  • Area: 133,792 acres (541 square kilometers)
• Technology: Both areas are ideal for floating wind technology, necessary due to the deep waters off the Oregon coast.

Environmental Impact and Community Concerns

• BOEM Assessment:
  A recent environmental assessment by BOEM concluded that the development would pose "no significant" impact on people or the environment.
• Community Opposition:
  Despite the positive assessment, opposition has arisen from various groups, including five Oregon and California tribes and the seafood industry. Concerns include potential harm to marine life, local fisheries, and cultural sites.
  • Tribal Concerns:
    The Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians have passed a resolution against the development, citing insufficient evidence that their interests will be protected.
  • Local Vote:
    Coos County residents are set to vote on a ballot initiative regarding the development in November.

Economic and Environmental Considerations

• Infrastructure Needs:
  Significant upgrades to electric transmission systems along the coast will be required to support the developments.
• Environmental Concerns:
  • Marine Life: The assessment noted negligible to moderate impacts on marine mammals, sea turtles, and coastal birds, primarily due to underwater noise and potential entanglement in mooring systems.
  • Fisheries: Commercial and recreational fisheries might face disruption during construction, though full recovery is expected afterward.

This auction is part of the Biden administration’s broader goal to expand offshore wind energy in the U.S., targeting 30 GW by 2030—enough to power over 10 million homes. The administration plans up to a dozen offshore wind auctions through 2028, with Oregon playing a crucial role.

Bidders and Future Developments

Four companies have qualified to bid on the Oregon leases:

• Avangrid Renewables (Portland-based)
• BlueFloat Energy
• Ocean Winds (Spanish)
• Mainstream Renewable Power (Irish)

Construction is anticipated to begin within the next five years, guided by Oregon’s Offshore Wind Roadmap, set for release in 2025.

Oregon’s offshore wind energy projects hold great promise for contributing to renewable energy goals. However, they also face significant challenges, including environmental concerns, community opposition, and the need for infrastructure upgrades. The outcome of the October auction and subsequent developments will be pivotal for stakeholders across the region.