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On April 4,  (Seattle, Wash., U.S.), an offshore wind developer, submitted an unsolicited lease request (ULR) to the U.S. Bureau of Ocean and Energy Management (BOEM) for a commercial lease to pursue the permitting, development, construction, operation and maintenance of the first floating offshore wind farm off the coast of Washington State (see more about the developments in U.S. offshore wind “U.S. sets offshore energy records with $4.37 billion in winning bids for wind sale”). 

The Olympic Wind project is planned to be sited 43 miles off the coast of the Olympic Peninsula, taking advantage of what is reported to be a vast offshore wind resource that will deliver approximately 2,000 megawatts (MW) of carbon-free energy.  The project is expected to generate significant jobs and economic benefits for local communities while helping Washington meet its ambitious climate goals and clean energy targets.

“The Olympic Wind project is poised to be the first floating, commercial scale offshore wind installation off the coast of Washington State,” Trident Winds CEO, Alla Weinstein, says. “The project will harness our unlimited, carbon-free offshore wind resources for the benefit of all Washingtonians. We believe strongly that all voices matter and look forward to working with stakeholders to form strong partnerships that maximize benefits for surrounding communities.”

With the submission of the ULR for the Olympic Wind Project, BOEM will conduct an initial review to confirm the applicant meets the agency’s legal, technical and financial qualifications to hold a lease on the Outer Continental Shelf for commercial offshore wind energy development. Following confirmation of qualifications, BOEM will issue a public notice of a request for interest to determine if competitive interest exists for the proposed site.