The US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has announced two wind energy areas in the Gulf of Mexico, as reported by Electrek. These two areas can help power almost three million homes.
The first wind energy area will be located around 24 nautical miles off the coast of Galveston, Texas, in which the wind turbines will be placed on 508,265 acres. Now, the second area is around 56 nautical miles off the coast of Lake Charles, Louisiana, on 174,274 acres.
There have been slight changes to the sizes of the two areas due to concerns by the Department of Defense and the US Coast Guard regarding shipping, marine navigation, and military operations.
It was in July when the Biden administration announced that they would pursue the development of offshore wind energy in the Gulf.
Also Read: Singapore Scientists Developed a Low-Cost Device That Can Harness Energy From the Wind
The Next Steps
The next steps in BOEM's renewable energy competitive leasing process will include a Proposed Sale Notice with a 60-day public comment period by the end of 2022 or in early 2023. The BOEM will then review the comments and will start a competitive leasing sale.
Both the US and China have been busy setting records in green energy. The former has been consistently breaking its own records in green energy, while the latter has been playing catch-up with the race.
However, while China has had a head start, the US still dominates, as the former was able to provide solar jobs at a rate of roughly one job per megawatt, as compared to the US's three jobs for the same amount of output.
Amidst the green energy boom, the renewable energy industry has been fighting for equal footing with conventional energy companies.
Regardless of where you're located and what you may be doing, you're probably using renewable energy on a daily basis. Even if this isn't the case, you will probably be using renewable energy in the near future. Aside from the obvious environmental benefits, using renewable energy means using a resource that won't run out. As an added benefit, it's also cost-effective, which is always a plus.
Offshore Wind Energy of the Future
It's definitely a great step for the future of renewable energy, especially when wind and solar are more affordable and reliable than the fossil-fuel based power plants. This is definitely a great first step towards a better and greener tomorrow.
The path towards a cleaner and greener future is filled with challenges and progress. However, the latest development of offshore wind energy in the Gulf of Mexico is one of the positive steps in the right direction. With the right amount of support, we can secure a better world for us and the environment.
Related Article: Solar, Wind Power Now Cheaper than Coal, Renewable Energy Revolution Against Climate Change
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Written by April Fowell
