US military and energy agencies to co-operate on offshore wind

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and the Department of Defence (DOD) have agreed to coordinate development of offshore wind in US federal waters.

The memorandum of understanding will help to further institutionalise a “deep collaboration” between BOEM – which allocates, awards and approves sites for offshore wind development – and the DOD to ensure that offshore wind lease areas and project plans strengthen the nation’s energy security in a way that is compatible with military operations, said BOEM officials.

“BOEM is dedicated to establishing a strong offshore wind industry that supports communities and co-exists with other ocean uses,” said BOEM director Elizabeth Klein. “Our collaboration with the Department of Defence is crucial to ensure offshore wind development is carried out efficiently and sustainably, while minimising impacts to military operations.”

Assistant secretary of defence for energy, installations, and environment, Brendan Owens, added: “We will continue to work with BOEM and our other interagency partners to find solutions that enable offshore wind development while ensuring long-term compatibility with testing, training, and operations critical to our military readiness.”

Wind development has been an issue for military activities on the outer continental shelf. 

It had emerged in April 2023, for example, that the military had taken an “aggressive” stance ^[1]in red-flagging four of six draft offshore wind lease areas in the Mid-Atlantic because of possible conflicts with military activities.

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