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By Theo Burman
Live News Reporter
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Plans to build 15,000 acres of offshore wind energy capacity near the coast of Maine have advanced after being approved by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM).
The plans, part of the Biden administration's goals for deploying 30 gigawatts of offshore wind energy capacity by 2030, made progress after BOEM, which is part of the Department of the Interior, approved the first research contract in Maine for floating offshore wind energy in the U.S.
The Department of the Interior originally announced the proposal in April, highlighting eight potential leasing areas for construction near the shores of Maine, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The site in Maine is located 28 nautical miles off the coast.
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Combined, these areas cover a million acres, and have the potential to generate 15 gigawatts of renewable energy—the equivalent of powering more than 5 million homes. Construction is expected to start within the next few years.
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BOEM Director Elizabeth Klein said: "BOEM is actively assessing proposed offshore wind activities in the Gulf of Maine by collaborating with Tribes, state and federal agencies, ocean users, local communities, and other stakeholders.
"We are committed to ensuring that future offshore wind development proceeds in a manner that reduces potential impacts on other ocean activities and the surrounding ecosystem."
Newsweek contacted BOEM for an update on the construction plans.
The Department of Energy's Wind Energy Technologies Office is the primary source of funding for the project, with $48. 6 million ring-fenced for development and research.
Maine Governor Janet Mills announced that the state would be participating in the project in August. In a statement, she said: "Clean energy from offshore wind offers a historic opportunity for Maine to create good-paying jobs, reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, and fight climate change by cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
"This lease between the state and BOEM to support the nation's first research array devoted to floating offshore wind technology is the result of extensive engagement with stakeholders and communities across our state to establish Maine as a leader in responsible offshore wind, in balance with our state's marine economy and environment."
According to the governor's office, Maine has the largest clean energy industry in New England, with 15,000 currently employed in some form of renewable energy.
Do you have a story we should be covering? Do you have any questions about offshore wind or other renewable energy sources? Contact LiveNews@newsweek.com.
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