As part of President Obama’s climate plans, huge swathes of water off New York state are to be used to build offshore windfarms.

The Department of Interior aims to offer more than 81,000 acres, an area equivalent to the size of  Milton Keynes, located around 11 miles south of Long Island.

The Proposed Sale Notice, which will present details on the area, proposed lease conditions and the auction, will be published next week. It will also include a 60-day public comment period.

Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewel said: “This is another major step in broadening our nation’s energy portfolio, harnessing power near population centres on the East Coast. Offshore wind power marks a new frontier in renewable energy development, creating the path for sustainable electricity generation, job creation and strengthening our nation’s economic competitiveness.”