iThe Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) announced that it is proposing a second offshore wind energy auction in the Gulf of Mexico. BOEM’s Proposed Sale Notice (PSN) will publish in the Federal Register March 21, 2024, initiating a 60-day public comment period. BOEM is proposing four areas offshore Louisiana and Texas, totaling 410,060 acres on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). BOEM recognized the uniqueness of the opportunities in the Gulf of Mexico and the differing demands for offshore wind power. Rather than having state mandates dictate large offtake contracts, offshore wind energy in the Gulf of Mexico is more likely to be sold directly to large industrial customers or serve as the source of electricity for hydrogen. This recognition by BOEM led to the elimination of the “one-per-customer rule,” which may provide economies of scale and more efficient production.
The proposed lease sale includes four areas offshore Louisiana and Texas, totaling 410,060 acres, which have the potential to power 1.2 million homes.
