The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Announces Competitive Interest in Gulf of Mexico Wind Energy Areas
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has made a significant announcement regarding the development of wind energy in the Gulf of Mexico. BOEM has issued a Determination of Competitive Interest in two Wind Energy Areas (WEAs) following an unsolicited request from Hecate Energy Gulf Wind LLC.
Hecate Energy Gulf Wind LLC expressed interest in acquiring a commercial wind energy lease for WEA options C and D, prompting BOEM to publish a Request for Competitive Interest (RFCI) in the Federal Register. In response to the RFCI, Invenergy GOM Offshore Wind LLC also expressed interest in WEA options C and D.
After a thorough review process, BOEM has determined that both Hecate and Invenergy are legally, technically, and financially qualified to hold an OCS renewable energy lease in the Gulf of Mexico. This determination signifies the presence of competitive interest in the RFCI areas, indicating a promising future for offshore wind energy development in the region.
Gulf of Mexico Regional Director Jim Kendall expressed excitement about the potential for offshore wind energy development in the Gulf, stating, “The Gulf of Mexico remains an attractive option for offshore wind energy development. We are excited about the future of this emerging sector in the region.”
BOEM will now proceed with the competitive lease process and plans to hold the next offshore wind lease sale in the Gulf of Mexico in 2026. The agency will continue to analyze feedback received in response to the RFCI and evaluate the best-suited portions of WEA options C and D, as well as other potential WEAs, for sale. Draft WEAs will be released for public input early next year.
The determination of competitive interest will be officially announced in the Federal Register on Dec. 13, 2024. For more information on offshore wind energy in the Gulf of Mexico, visit the BOEM website: https://www.boem.gov/renewable-energy/state-activities/gulf-mexico-activities.