Local communities are set to benefit from offshore wind development in Massachusetts’ waters, writes South Coast Today news site.
This is the first time the Bureau of Offshore Energy Management (BOEM) will include community benefit agreements (CBA) in an offshore wind energy lease auction.
The 5 percent credit will be given to developers who have a legal contract with the community stating that they will support offshore wind development in return for community benefits.
According to BOEM Project Manager Maureen Bornholdt, CBA came as a result of the request made by Massachusetts municipalities.
“Obviously all states are interested in developing infrastructure for offshore wind, but Massachusetts is the only one who asked that community benefit be counted,” she added.
Last month BOEM announced that more than 742,000 acres offshore Massachusetts will be available for commercial wind energy leasing.
Developers interested in developing this 5 GW must apply until 18th August 2014.