BOEM proclaims availability of Design Envelope in COPs for Offshore Wind Projects

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), issues draft guidelines for the use of a “Design Envelope” approach in Construction and Operations Plans for offshore wind energy facilities in the U.S. It is important to note that when describing a proposed wind facility, the use of a design envelope is not mandatory. Design envelopes are intended to be an optional tool for prospective developers.

Secretary Ryan Zinke said “And, now more than ever, we must use every tool at our disposal to ensure an energy-secure future – one that promotes jobs and is affordable, competitive and safe. Offshore wind will play a big role in this future.”

In a bid to keep pace with the advanced technology in the offshore wind energy market, offshore wind developers have convinced the BOEM to adopt this practice considered standard in European markets thereby relaxing certain norms giving them the liberty to create own project design decisions. BOEM will further interpret the environmental implications of the project in  a manner that will rout environmental reviews without compromising environment safety.