‘Vast benefits:’ offshore wind ‘can provide 25% of US electricity’

“By advancing this mature technology, US policymakers can help the offshore wind industry achieve and exceed the cost reductions observed in other parts of the world, turning offshore wind into another pillar of affordable, reliable grid decarbonisation.”

“To attain these benefits, new policies and significant public and private investments are needed across the supply chain,” said the UC Berkeley authored report. “Mass deployment of offshore wind turbines faces unique challenges, including availability of ports, ships and turbine components.” Other challenges include limited transmission interconnection points and identification of sites for turbines, ports and manufacturing facilities.

The extent of supply chain needs is addressed in the accompanying report, Offshore Wind Supply Chain Technical Report, and in specific federal and state policy solutions.

“Offshore wind enjoys generally strong coastal community support and has the potential to preserve ecosystems while playing a central role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” the report said.

“Offshore wind also offers substantial benefits to workers and communities, particularly port communities already overburdened by industry. These benefits include new high-quality jobs and economic development, clean power and reduced local pollution with the closing of fossil plants. 

“However, steps must be taken to ensure an inclusive process and equitable benefits for these communities. The integration of environmental protections and community benefits into each aspect of offshore wind policy design is vital to accelerating this industry sustainably and reaching our climate goals.”

The policy report serves as a companion to the technical report and identifies the actions the federal government and states must take to unlock the potential boon of offshore wind and its “cascading economic and climate benefits across the country.”

“Realising a level of US offshore wind deployment that can play a substantial role in our clean energy economy will require the federal government and states to bolster turbine deployment and the large infrastructure projects that support offshore wind construction and operation,” the UC Berkeley analysts concluded.

They recommended offshore wind goals and procurement targets be set that align with net-zero goals and that the US identifies offshore wind sites at scale; improves leasing and permitting to reduce deployment timelines and increase support; plans for offshore wind transmission holistically; prepares the workforce for offshore wind via apprenticeships and upskilling; incentivises and co-ordinates the domestic supply chain; and prepares ports and vessel infrastructure for offshore wind.

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