DOI, DOE To Expand Collaboration on Offshore Renewables

06/30/2010
SustainableBusiness.com News

The U.S. Department of the Interior and the Department of Energy announced a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that aims to strengthen a working relationship on the future development of offshore renewable energy projects.

DOI and DOE said they will use the agreement to spur the development of future commercial-scale offshore wind and water energy projects.

The two agencies will exchange information on resources and technologies, conduct stakeholder engagements, and collaborate on research projects. These activities will augment the scientific and technical exchanges that already occur between the two Departments.

The MOU states that within 30 days of its signing, an interagency working group will develop an Action Plan covering the following areas:

• Development of attainable deployment goals for offshore wind and marine and hydrokinetic energy on the OCS
• Siting and Permitting
• Resource Assessment
• Technical Standards
• Data Exchange and Public Engagement

The wind and water resources off the United States' coasts offer a vast yet largely untapped energy potential. According to DOE's 20% Wind Energy by 2030 report, offshore wind alone has the potential to produce 54,000 megawatts (MW) by 2030. The MOU between DOI and DOE will facilitate the development of these domestic energy resources by pursuing priority leasing and efficient regulatory processes for sites with high, commercial-scale offshore wind and water power development potential.

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar said, "This joint framework with DOE will bring together resources and expertise from both agencies as we pursue the environmentally responsible development of these valuable renewable energy resources."

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