Wind Energy Planning

Secretary Salazar believes that US offshore wind energy resources could lead America’s Clean Energy Revolution. Today he held the first of a series of public meetings to consult on a new offshore energy plan.

At a previous meeting with 25x’25 America’s Energy Future – a group seeking to reduce America’s carbon emissions – he said “More than three-fourths of the nation’s electricity demand comes from coastal states and the wind potential off the coasts of the lower 48 states actually exceeds our entire US electricity demand“.

Salazar’s comments follow the publication of a report by the U.S. Minerals Management Services (MMS) and the US Geological Survey about data available to investigate the potential of the outer continental shelf (OCS) for new conventional and renewable offshore energy resources. The next stage is to carry out regional public comment meetings around the country over the next few weeks in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and New Orleans, Louisiana.

Salazar said “The purpose of these meetings is to have an open, honest conversation with the American people to solicit the best information possible about an offshore energy plan…the Department’s efforts over the next six months to develop a comprehensive offshore energy plan will embrace the President’s commitment to a government that is open and inclusive and that makes decisions based on sound science and the public interest.”

Private citizens, governors and elected federal officials, interested organizations and entities, energy producers, advocacy groups, Alaska Natives and tribal organizations, science and research groups, and state and local governments are invited to attend and offer brief comments or ask questions.

The MMS has the lead role of developing wind energy on the OCS – leasing, exploration, development, production, and decommissioning. The report states that offshore winds are frequently located near high- energy demand centers – with 28 of the 48 contiguous States having a coastal boundary, including the Great Lakes. Electric-use data show that these coastal States use 78 percent of the Nation’s electricity. The executive summary confirms that developing wind energy in shallow waters of up to 30 metres could provide at least 20 percent of the electricity needs of almost all coastal states. The report also recognises the longer term potential of wave and tidal energy.