The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has published a ‘Request for Competitive Interest’ for the development of a wind energy transmission line for New York and New Jersey on the US north-east coast.
The move follows a request by independent transmission infrastructure developer Anbaric for a right-of-way grant to develop the New York-New Jersey Ocean Grid, to deliver offshore wind energy to the onshore electric grid.
However, BOEM must determine whether there are other developers interested in the same area, prior to reviewing the right-of-way application.
The bureau will publish a Request for Competitive Interest in the Federal Register on June 19, 2019.
BOEM acting director Walter Cruickshank said: “Offshore transmission infrastructure will be critical to the long-term success of the offshore wind industry.
“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 Anbaric’s right-of-way request.
Anbaric’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.
It includes the siting of several offshore collector platforms, each connected to one or more high-voltage subsea export cables to onshore points of interconnection.
Each proposed platform would be designed to handle 800-1200MW of offshore wind energy, with the ability to connect multiple offshore wind projects and accommodate phased development within BOEM’s designated Wind Energy Areas.
Comments invited by BOEM can 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) analysing 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.
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.