The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Approves SouthCoast Wind Project

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has officially approved the Construction and Operations Plan for the SouthCoast Wind Project, marking a significant milestone in the development of offshore wind energy in the United States. This approval follows the Department of the Interior’s December 2024 Record of Decision, making it the final step needed for the project to move forward.

Elizabeth Klein, Director of BOEM, expressed pride in the approval of the SouthCoast Wind project, which will be the nation’s eleventh commercial-scale offshore wind energy project. The project is expected to power more than 840,000 homes and will play a crucial role in advancing a clean energy economy.

Project Details

The SouthCoast Wind Project will be located approximately 26 nautical miles south of Martha’s Vineyard and 20 nautical miles south of Nantucket, Massachusetts. It has the capacity to generate up to 2.4 gigawatts of offshore wind energy for Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

The approved project includes the construction of up to 141 wind turbine generators, up to five offshore substation platforms, and up to eight offshore export cables. Changes were made to the original proposed project to reduce potential impacts on wildlife and foraging habitat.

Environmental Considerations

BOEM carefully considered feedback from Tribal Nations, government agencies, ocean users, and other stakeholders before approving the project. Measures have been put in place to avoid, minimize, or mitigate any potential impacts on marine life and important ocean uses, such as fishing.

Advancing Clean Energy

The approval of the SouthCoast Wind Project is part of a broader effort by the Department of the Interior to grow a clean energy economy. In addition to approving 11 commercial-scale offshore wind projects, BOEM has conducted multiple offshore commercial wind lease auctions and taken steps to strengthen the offshore wind industry through project labor agreements, workforce training, and engagement with various communities.

Overall, the approval of the SouthCoast Wind Project represents a significant step forward in the development of offshore wind energy in the United States and underscores the government’s commitment to transitioning to a more sustainable and renewable energy future.