Contact: Stephen Boutwell
703-787-1531
Today, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) announced the publication of a ‘Request for Competitive Interest’ for the development of the New York and New Jersey Wind Energy Transmission Line, an offshore transmission system that would deliver offshore wind energy to the onshore electric grid. The publication marks the next step in BOEM’s review and consideration of a potential New York-New Jersey Wind Energy Transmission Line.
Anbaric Development Partners, LLC (ADP) has requested a right-of-way grant to develop the NY/NJ Ocean Grid, but prior to reviewing the right-of-way application, BOEM must determine whether there are other developers interested in the same area. BOEM will publish a Request for Competitive Interest in the Federal Register on June 19, 2019.
“Offshore transmission infrastructure will be critical to the long-term success of the offshore wind industry,” said BOEM Acting Director Walter Cruickshank. “We look forward to working with our state and local government partners, industry and others as we continue to oversee responsible offshore wind development while diversifying our nation’s energy portfolio.”
In addition, BOEM is providing an opportunity for the public and interested stakeholders to provide comments on the ADP right-of-way request. Comments may include information relating to potential effects on the environment and marine habitats; geological and geophysical conditions (including bottom and shallow hazards); archaeological, historic, and/or cultural resources; and the multiple uses that exist in the area, including commercial and recreational fishing. Feedback received will be incorporated into an Environmental Assessment (EA) analyzing the potential impacts of granting a right-of-way and associated survey activities. The EA will include additional opportunities for stakeholders to provide feedback and additional comments.
ADP’s proposed project would entail the construction, installation, and operation of an offshore transmission system to deliver offshore wind energy to the onshore electric grid. This includes the siting of several offshore collector platforms (OCPs), each connected to one or more high voltage subsea export cables to onshore points of interconnection. Each proposed OCP would be designed to handle 800 to 1,200 megawatts of offshore wind energy, with the ability to connect multiple offshore wind projects and accommodate phased development within BOEM’s designated Wind Energy Areas.
If BOEM receives indications of competitive interest from qualified entities, the bureau may decide to move forward with the right-of-way grant issuance process using competitive procedures. BOEM will continue to consult with the state task force and partners regarding the proposed transmission project.
A map of the area proposed and a copy of the application is available at https://www.boem.gov/Regional-Proposals/
HOW TO COMMENT AND/OR SUBMIT INTEREST:
The public may submit comments through http://www.regulations.gov. In the entry entitled “Enter Keyword or ID,” enter BOEM-2018-0067, and then click “search.” Follow the instructions to submit public comments and view supporting and related materials available for this notice.
Indication of interest in acquiring a right-of-way grant for the area requested by ADP must be submitted by mail, postmarked no later than July 19, 2019, to:
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
Office of Renewable Energy Programs
45600 Woodland Road
Mailstop: VAM-OREP
Sterling, Virginia 20166
After the 30-day comment period closes, BOEM will publish a list of the qualified entities that submit indications of competitive interest.
For more information on BOEM’s Renewable Energy program, visit: https://www.boem.gov/Renewable-Energy/
- BOEM -