Equinor Secures Offshore Wind Lease in U.S. Central Atlantic Auction
- 20-Aug-2024 2:13 PM
- Journalist: S. Jayavikraman
Equinor has been named a provisional winner in the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s (BOEM) offshore wind lease auction for the U.S. Central Atlantic region. The approximately 2 gigawatt (GW) lease is expected to generate enough energy to power around 900,000 U.S. homes.
Equinor won one of two fixed-bottom lease areas in the BOEM auction with a bid of $75,001,001 for 101,443 acres in the Atlantic Ocean, situated 26 nautical miles from the mouth of the Delaware Bay.
Equinor will collaborate with BOEM to finalize the lease certification. Once regulatory approvals are obtained, the Central Atlantic site will be incorporated into Equinor’s existing U.S. offshore wind portfolio.
Molly Morris, President of Equinor Renewables Americas, stated, “Equinor is delighted to be chosen as the provisional winner of the Central Atlantic offshore wind lease auction. Our participation in this auction aligns with our strategy to seek valuable offshore wind opportunities in the United States. The Central Atlantic region is experiencing increasing electricity demand and has strong support for integrating renewable energy into the power grid.”
Pål Eitrheim, Executive Vice President of Equinor Renewables, stated, “This announcement highlights Equinor’s dedication to creating value through renewable energy projects. This lease represents a long-term investment, with initial power expected after 2035. We will leverage Equinor’s extensive experience in offshore wind development and adopt a cautious strategy to manage risks and advance a strong project within our portfolio.”
Equinor’s provisional victory in the Central Atlantic follows recent offshore wind achievements on the East Coast, including ongoing construction at the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal and active offshore work supporting the Empire Wind 1 project.
Equinor is a global energy company dedicated to creating long-term value in a low-carbon future. Its mission is to transform natural resources into energy that benefits people and advances society. Equinor's portfolio includes projects in oil and gas, renewables, and low-carbon solutions, with a goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Headquartered in Norway, Equinor is the leading operator on the Norwegian continental shelf and operates in approximately 30 countries around the world.
Equinor is currently advancing offshore wind projects on both the U.S. East and West coasts, viewing the United States as a key growth market. As a global energy company, Equinor is dedicated to creating long-term value in a low-carbon future. Equinor stands as one of the world’s largest offshore operators, leveraging its extensive expertise and resources to lead in the energy sector. With a dedicated workforce of 23,000 employees, Equinor is well-equipped to drive innovation and efficiency in offshore operations. The company's global presence and robust capabilities enable it to manage complex projects and deliver sustainable energy solutions across various markets.