The administration of U.S. president Joe Biden announced on Friday that it would hold an offshore lease sale in August off the coasts Delaware, Maryland and Virginia as part of a broader effort to expand the industry for fighting climate change.

The Interior Department stated in a release that the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management will auction the areas on August 14, 2024. This could produce up to 6,3 gigawatts of renewable, clean energy, and be able to power up to 2,2 million homes.

The auction will include two areas off the coasts of Virginia and Delaware.

Biden's Administration intends to hold as many as 12 auctions for offshore wind development rights by 2028. Four of these will be held before the end this year. (Writing and Editing by Frances Kerry, Richard Valdmanis)