BOEM Seeks Public Feedback on Offshore Wind Leasing in Guam

January 6, 2025, by Adnan Memija

The US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has launched a call for information and nominations for possible wind energy leasing off the coast of the US Pacific Territory of Guam.

The Call requests information on one contiguous area around the island that comprises approximately 2.1 million acres.

The area begins about 3 nautical miles from shore at its closest points, in water depths ranging from approximately 350 metres to 2,200 metres. The Call area is in water depths too deep for traditional fixed-bottom foundation designs, and offshore wind development in these areas will require floating technology and designs.

*Source: The US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)*

The call for information and nominations will be launched on 6 January (Monday), initiating a 90-day comment period ending on 7 April, during which the public can submit relevant information on site conditions, marine resources, and ocean uses near or within the area.

BOEM said it would engage with Indigenous Peoples, stakeholder organisations, ocean users, federal agencies, the Government of Guam, and other parties to identify conflicts early in the process as the organisation seeks to identify areas where offshore wind development would have the least impact.

This information will be used to significantly narrow the area to be considered for future offshore wind leasing, according to BOEM.

“Responsible offshore wind development off Guam’s coast offers a vital opportunity to expand clean energy, cut carbon emissions, and reduce energy costs for Guam residents,” said Elizabeth Klein, BOEM Director.

BOEM and the Government of Guam have established the BOEM Guam Intergovernmental Renewable Energy Task Force, initiating the first planning step in the BOEM renewable energy authorisation process.

The task force held its final meeting in September 2024. The Government of Guam aims to generate 50 per cent of its electricity from renewable energy sources by 2035 and 100 per cent by 2045.