To support decision-making processes related to offshore wind energy development in the region, the Northeast Ocean Data Portal has been updated with the recently designated Draft Wind Energy Areas in New York Bight and the Massachusetts Final Sale Notice Areas.

The Energy & Infrastructure Theme Map shows the New York Draft Wind Energy Areas and the Massachusetts Final Sale Notice Areas together with other energy planning areas and projects in the region. On the Data Explorer map, the Areas can be viewed in combination with any other data of interest, such as fishing vessel activity, marine life, and habitat characteristics.

New York Draft Wind Energy Areas

After reviewing responses to the Call for Information and Nominations, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has delineated Draft Wind Energy Areas in the New York Bight. The Draft Wind Energy Areas are located within the New York Bight Call Areas announced by BOEM in April 2018.

The Intergovernmental Renewable Energy Task Force will meet on November 28, 2018, in New York City for presentations, public input, and discussion about the Draft Wind Energy Areas. 

New York Draft Wind Energy Areas and New York Bight Call Areas

Massachusetts Final Sale Notice Areas

The Department of the Interior announced that it will hold an auction on December 13, 2018, for the sale of three commercial wind energy leases covering nearly 390,000 acres on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) offshore Massachusetts. 

If fully developed, the areas being offered could support approximately 4.1 gigawatts of commercial wind generation, enough electricity to power nearly 1.5 million homes.

Massachusetts Final Sale Notice Areas