The U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management on Oct. 29 announced a Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Defense to support the coordinated development of wind energy generation on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf.
The MOU “will help further institutionalize the deep collaboration between BOEM and DOD that is ensuring that offshore wind lease areas and project plans strengthen the nation’s energy security in ways that are compatible with military operations," BOEM said.
BOEM Director Elizabeth Klein and Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environment Brendan Owens signed the MOU during a ceremony at the Offshore WINDPOWER Conference in Atlantic City, N.J.
DOD and BOEM share responsibility for ensuring that offshore wind project plans consider military preparedness requirements.
The new MOU will define and clarify the roles and duties of both organizations during leasing and project review. This approach also includes participating in Intergovernmental Renewable Energy Task Forces.
The MOU calls for DOD and BOEM to:
- Find mutual solutions that support renewable energy in a manner compatible with essential military operations.
- Collaborate as early as possible in the offshore wind leasing process.
- Regularly communicate and exchange information at the staff and leadership levels.
- Determine what areas should be deferred from leasing to enable the performance of DOD activities on the OCS.
The MOU expands on and complements the July 1983 “Memorandum of Agreement Between the Department of Defense and the Department of the Interior on Mutual Concerns on the Outer Continental Shelf” that continues to provide a framework for coordination between the agencies regarding energy development on the OCS.
