Offshore energy in the Gulf of Maine presents a complex set of opportunities and trade-offs for coastal communities and industries in New Hampshire.
Our role:
New Hampshire Sea Grant is committed to encouraging community engagement, serving as an honest broker of information, and providing the best available science in the offshore energy development process.
NHSG serves as a bridge between our long-time partners in fishing communities, coastal community and municipal leaders, state and federal government, and industry interests.
This page will serve as a home for related links and resources gathered and/or created by New Hampshire Sea Grant staff related to offshore energy development in the Gulf of Maine.
Timeline of offshore wind energy development in the Gulf of Maine
This living document visualizes the timelines of multiple processes (federal and state) that are proceeding in parallel in offshore wind energy development in the Gulf of Maine. It will be periodically updated to inform New Hampshire stakeholders and enable public participation in the various processes. This document does not include the monthly meetings of the New Hampshire Commission to Study Offshore Wind and Port Development.
Map of Current Lease Areas
This map shows the various projects and lease areas on all coasts, and the individual progress stage of each.
Concurrent Development Processes Relevant to NH
Fisheries Impact Mitigation:
Federal (BOEM) Fishery Mitigation Guidance
In January 2025, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) published final guidance on “Reducing or Avoiding Impacts of Offshore Wind Energy on Fisheries.”
NH State Recent Updates:
- Winter 2024: NH signs Letter of Support for Project
- Fall 2024: BrownGreer announced as the Regional Fund Administrator
Multi-State Fisheries Mitigation Project
In parallel, nine east coast states (now 11) formed the Fisheries Mitigation Project to establish a regional fund administrator for fisheries compensatory mitigation, through the Special Initiative for Offshore Wind.
NH Dept. of Energy (NHDOE) Consultant’s Report:
Through an RFP released in 2021, Normandeau Associates has been contracted by NHDOE to assesses the potential environmental, economic, and energy impacts in New Hampshire of development of offshore wind projects in the Gulf of Maine.
“Potential Environmental, Economic, and Energy Impacts in New Hampshire from Development of Offshore Wind in the Gulf of Maine”
- July 2022: Consultant chosen by NH
- August 2022 – May 2023: Normandeau Associates completes assessment
- May 2023: Draft Report Released
- June 2023: Final Report Published
Contact
Katy Bland
Engagement & Research Manager
katy@neracoos.org
