After renewable energy developer Hecate Energy Gulf Wind LLC submitted an unsolicited offer, the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management announced on Friday that it was seeking competitive bids to lease offshore wind leases near the Texas coast.

Offshore wind power is seen by the administration of President Joe Biden as an important part of a larger strategy to decarbonize U.S. energy sector in order to combat climate change. However, the fledgling industry is met with strong local opposition due to concerns over ocean views and harm to marine life.

BOEM said that the bid received from Hecate was a good indication of the commercial potential of Wind Power in the Gulf of Mexico.

In a recent press release, BOEM's Gulf of Mexico Regional Director James Kendall said that the Gulf region is able to benefit from offshore wind resources as well as existing energy infrastructure.

Last year, a lease auction held in the area attracted little interest.

BOEM stated that Hecate sought acreage in a 142,000-acre area off the coasts of southeast Texas, which had been designated for offshore wind leasing by 2021. Hecate did not disclose details about its bid.

Hecate's representative was not available for comment.

BOEM stated that if at least one more bid is received on the area it will schedule a lease auction. It may instead issue a non-competitive lease for Hecate.