The Biden-Harris Administration announced the approval of the 10th commercial-scale offshore wind project in the United States, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s push for renewable energy.
With this approval, the U.S. has authorized over 15 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind energy, enough to power 5.25 million homes, representing half of the capacity needed to achieve the administration’s 30 GW target by 2030.
The latest project, led by US Wind, will provide up to 2,200 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy to the Delmarva Peninsula, potentially powering 770,000 homes. The Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) approved the project, which is expected to generate 2,679 jobs annually during its seven-year development and construction phases.
The administration’s overall goal of 30 GW of offshore wind will power 10 million homes, create 77,000 jobs, reduce 78 million metric tons of carbon emissions annually, and attract $12 billion in private investment each year.
Expanding Offshore Wind Development
Since taking office, the Biden-Harris Administration has fast-tracked offshore wind development, holding five offshore wind lease auctions and unlocking more than 1.3 million acres for wind energy development. These include sales in New York, New Jersey, and the Pacific and Gulf coasts, with plans to expand into regions like Oregon, the Gulf of Maine, and Hawaii.
With a total offshore wind project pipeline exceeding 80 GW, the U.S. could power over 26 million homes if fully developed. The Department of the Interior has set an ambitious five-year offshore wind leasing schedule that will hold up to 12 auctions by 2028.
Investing in Workers and Communities
The administration is focused on maximizing local community benefits, creating high-quality jobs, and developing a robust American supply chain. Offshore wind investments under the Biden-Harris Administration now total $6.9 billion, spanning 19 manufacturing facilities, 15 ports, and 25 vessels under construction in eight states, generating thousands of jobs.
Accelerating Permitting and Infrastructure
To streamline project approvals, the administration is investing over $1 billion from the Inflation Reduction Act to expedite reviews and modernize permitting processes. A new federal rule finalized this year is projected to save developers $1.9 billion over 20 years. Environmental protections, including measures to safeguard the endangered North Atlantic right whale, are also being strengthened.
Floating Offshore Wind and Grid Enhancements
The Department of the Interior is advancing floating offshore wind technology to unlock energy potential in deep waters, with a goal of deploying 15 GW by 2035. Investments are also being made to upgrade the nation’s grid and ports to support this growing industry.