BOEM takes a step forward on Guam offshore wind

Guam offshore wind call area

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has published a Call for Information and Nominations (Call) for possible wind energy leasing off the coast of the U.S. Pacific Territory of Guam.

The Call will gather public comments to inform potential leasing areas, and results from close collaboration with the Government of Guam, which aims to generate 50% of its electricity from renewable energy sources by 2035 and 100% by 2045.

“Responsible offshore wind development off Guam’s coast offers a vital opportunity to expand clean energy, cut carbon emissions, and reduce energy costs for Guam residents,” said BOEM Director Elizabeth Klein.

The Call was published in the Federal Register on Jan. 6, 2025, initiating a 90-day comment period ending at 11:59 ET on April 7, 2025, during which the public can submit relevant information on site conditions, marine resources, and ocean uses near or within the Call Area. Concurrently, wind energy companies can nominate specific areas they would like to see offered for leasing.

During the Call comment period, BOEM will engage with indigenous peoples, stakeholder organizations, ocean users, federal agencies, the Government of Guam, and other parties to identify conflicts early in the process as BOEM seeks to identify areas where offshore wind development would have the least impact. This information will be used to significantly narrow the area to be considered for future offshore wind leasing.

The Call requests information on one contiguous area around the island that comprises approximately 2.1 million acres. The area begins about 3 nautical miles from shore at its closest points, in water depths ranging from approximately 350 to 2200 meters.

BOEM will consider public comments and commercial nominations in response to the Call to analyze potential use conflicts before designating specific wind energy areas (WEAs) within the respective Call Area. If BOEM receives commercial interest in wind leasing offshore Guam, the next step will be to identify WEAs for leasing consideration within the larger Call Area. BOEM will then conduct environmental reviews of the WEAs in consultation with appropriate federal agencies, indigenous peoples, the Government of Guam, and other key stakeholders. After completing its environmental reviews and consultations, BOEM may propose one or more competitive lease sales for areas within the WEAs. There will be multiple opportunities for public input throughout this process.

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