The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is moving forward with plans to lease federal waters near Guam to promote renewable energy and bolster the island’s energy independence.
BOEM announced on Jan. 3 that it will publish a Call for Information and Nominations on potential wind energy leasing off Guam’s coast. It’ll open a 90-day public comment period, which ends April 7.
The initiative, developed in collaboration with the government of Guam and supported by the Biden-Harris administration, identifies areas off the island’s coast where offshore wind development could take place. BOEM says the plan aligns with Guam’s clean energy goals by enhancing energy security and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Before any development begins an environmental assessment will be conducted to study potential impacts. The area under review spans approximately 2.1 million acres of contiguous ocean surrounding Guam.
In addition to providing renewable energy, BOEM said offshore wind projects could create jobs, stimulate the local economy, and improve the island’s energy resilience.