Biden Administration Approves Final Offshore Wind Farm Amid Looming Policy Changes

SouthCoast Wind Project Gains Green Light as Trump Administration Signals Moratorium

In a decisive move on the final working day of the Biden administration, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) granted approval for the SouthCoast Wind project. This marks the nation’s 11th commercial-scale offshore wind farm, pushing forward the administration's renewable energy agenda amidst reports of an impending moratorium on wind projects under President Donald Trump’s administration.

SouthCoast Wind: A Milestone for Offshore Energy

Located approximately 26 nautical miles south of Martha’s Vineyard and 20 nautical miles south of Nantucket, Massachusetts, the SouthCoast Wind project promises a capacity of 2.4 gigawatts, enough to power over 840,000 homes in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Developed by Ocean Winds, a joint venture between EDP Renewables and ENGIE, the project features:

• Wind Turbine Generators: Up to 141 turbines.

• Offshore Substation Platforms: Up to five platforms at 143 positions.

• Export Cables: Up to eight offshore cables across two corridors.

  
  

This final approval follows months of scrutiny, including Massachusetts permitting in October and a December

Record of Decision from the Department of the Interior. However, local challenges persist, with Rhode Island Energy delaying power purchase agreement deadlines until March 31, 2025.

Adjustments to Minimize Environmental Impact

BOEM’s approval includes key modifications, such as removing six turbine positions in the lease area to mitigate habitat disruption and minimize wildlife displacement. “We are proud to announce BOEM’s final approval of the SouthCoast Wind project,” said BOEM Director Elizabeth Klein. “Under the Biden-Harris administration, we have made remarkable strides in advancing a clean energy economy, approving over 19 gigawatts of offshore wind energy.”

Challenges Ahead for Offshore Wind Energy

Despite this progress, the incoming Trump administration has signaled potential hurdles for the offshore wind industry. Reports suggest an executive order may temporarily halt wind energy projects pending further research into alleged environmental impacts and financial feasibility. Nominated cabinet members with ties to the fossil fuel industry are also expected to influence future decisions.

In addition to SouthCoast Wind, BOEM initiated an environmental review of the Vineyard Mid-Atlantic Offshore Wind Energy Project, a 2-gigawatt project south of New York. The review will conclude under the new administration, casting uncertainty on its outcome.

Offshore Wind Potential on the West Coast

The U.S. Department of Energy also released its West Coast Offshore Wind Transmission Study and Action Plan, highlighting the potential of floating offshore wind turbines to bring 33 gigawatts of energy to the Pacific Coast by 2050. The study emphasizes how offshore wind could enhance coastal community resilience and bolster the nation’s clean energy goals.

The Biden Legacy in Offshore Wind Development

Since 2022, BOEM has overseen six offshore wind lease auctions and outlined additional projects, totaling more than 19 gigawatts of approved offshore wind capacity. While these advancements have set the stage for a clean energy revolution, the future of offshore wind under the new administration remains uncertain.