First Offshore Wind Leases Awarded by DOI

The US Department Interior Department for the first time awarded leases for wind power exploration off the coasts of Delaware and New Jersey. Fisherman's Energy of New Jersey LLC, Deepwater Wind LLC and Babcock & Brown's Bluewater Wind LLC are the three companies announced by Interior Secretary Ken Salazar as winning the five contracts.

Salazar called it a major step forward in President Obama's new energy frontier.

“The development of clean energy will be a major part of our economic recovery and will help lay the foundation for long-term economic security for our families, our state and our nation,” said U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ).

The final framework for states and companies with renewable energy initiatives was announced by the President and the Secretary on Earth Day, and the program becomes effective June 29.

Delmarva Power in Delware has already signed a purchase agreement with Bluewater Wind for up to 200 MW. The state's offshore wind have the potential to produce enough power to supply 1.2 to 1.5 million homes. The wind technology will be placed six to 18 miles off shore.

To learn more about the Offshore Energy & Minerals Management programs, visit: http://www.mms.gov/offshore/renewableenergy/regulatoryinformation.htm