MMS moving forward on offshore alternative energy

The US Department of the Interior's Minerals Management Service designated five areas on the Outer Continental Shelf as priority areas for research on alternative energy in federal waters.

April 22, 2008

By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Apr. 22 -- The US Department of the Interior's Minerals Management Service designated five areas on the Outer Continental Shelf as priority areas for research on alternative energy in federal waters.

The agency issued an Apr. 18 published notice that outlines details about the areas along with instructions for a 30-day public comment period.

The five areas are off New Jersey, Delaware, Georgia, Florida, and California. The agency proposes limited, temporary leases in these areas for data collection and technology testing related to wind, wave, and ocean current energy development.

There will be no commercial energy production activity associated with the proposed leases. Randall Luthi, MMS director, said the research is intended to increase understanding of potential offshore renewable energy sources.

Before issuing leases or selecting specific project proposals, MMS is evaluating the five areas as they relate to environmental factors and commercial activities such as fishing and shipping.