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Explore AOWA’s comprehensive offshore wind training programs. Find courses designed for professionals at every stage of their careers Upcoming Sessions Offshore Wind Operation and Maintenance Operation September 22-23, 2025 View Course Offshore Wind Transmission Course Technology October 14-16, 2025 View Course Floating Offshore Wind Masterclass Development October 23, 2025 View Course Auctions and Bid Strategies for Offshore Wind Development November 18, 2025 View Course Financing Offshore Wind From Auction To FID Financing Fall 2025 edition TBA - Enroll to stay updated View Course Offshore Wind Blade Testing and Inspection Workshop Safety Fall 2025 edition TBA - Enroll to stay updated View Course Offshore Wind Upskilling Course Development Coming Fall 2025 - Enroll to stay updated View Course Offshore Wind MetOcean Training Course Development Spring Session: May 12, 2025 Fall Session: On demand - Enroll now View Course OSW Risk Management, Insurance & Marine Warranty Surveying Development Spring Session: May 15, 2025 Fall Session: On demand - Enroll now View Course Performance Based Safety Management Systems in OSW Safety On demand - Enroll now View Course Offshore Wind Ports and Vessels Course Construction On demand - Enroll now View Course Offshore Wind Geophysical and Geotechnical Training Development On demand - Enroll now View Course Load more

Advisory Board of American Offshore Wind Academy Meet AOWA’s advisory board—industry experts guiding the future of offshore wind training and workforce development Board of Advisors Amy McGinty Vice President, Vestas North America Mandar Pandit Chief Strategy & Growth Officer, GE Grid Solutions Lydia Lostan Offshore Wind Director, EDF Renewables North America Jim Bennett Former Chief of The Office of Renewable Energy Programs, BOEM Serene Hamsho President, American Offshore Wind Academy Mike Starrett Chief Commercial Officer, Ocean Winds North America Adrienne Downey Principal Engineer and Country Manager, Hexicon North American Jay Borkland Supply Chain and Port Director, Avangrid Eric Thumma Head of U.S., Corio Generation Alla Weinstein Founder & CEO, Trident Winds Inc Theodore Paradise Energy Partner, K&L Gates

Explore expert insights and industry perspectives on offshore wind energy from AOWA's network of thought leaders, innovators, and policy voices. Op-Eds Hurricanes & Offshore Wind July 10th, 2025 Written by Sarah McElman, Lead Consultant at Metocean Expert Americas. Read More What is a Geotechnical and Geophysical Site Investigation & Why Does it Matter? June 27th, 2025 Written By Creed Goff, R.G. and reviewed by Justin Bailey and Robert Mecarini from Alpine Ocean Seismic Survey, Inc. Read More After Empire June 19th. 2025 Written by Dawn MacDonald, Global Offshore Wind Sector Lead at AECOM Read More Let Developers Lead: The Smarter Path Forward For Offshore Wind May 30th, 2025 Written by Siniša Lozo, Director of Business Development at Naver Energy Read More Offshore Wind: The Reliability Anchor Hiding in Plain Sight May 16th, 2025 Written by Adrienne Downey, Director of Offshore Wind at Power Advisory LLC. Read More

Stay updated with AOWA’s latest press releases covering offshore wind industry news, training programs, and policy developments Press Releases AOWA Expands Globally as the Offshore Wind Academy (OWA) 08/05/2025 The American Offshore Wind Academy (AOWA) is officially expanding its reach globally as the “Offshore Wind Academy” (OWA) Read More Statement on Empire Wind 1 Project Pause 4/17/25 As President of the American Offshore Wind Academy (AOWA), I express deep concern and strong opposition to the recent decision to halt construction activities on the Empire Wind I project—one of the most advanced, fully permitted offshore wind developments in the United States. Read More AOWA Collaborates with MassCEC: Targeted Offshore Wind Programs for MWBEs 2/12/25 AOWA is partnering with MassCEC, in developing targeted programs to empower woman and minority entrepreneurs (MWBEs) to succeed and become leaders in the clean energy space... Read More AOWA’s Statement on Executive Order Pausing Offshore Wind Leasing and Permitting 1/22/25 The recent executive order pausing offshore wind leasing and permitting is a serious setback to America’s growing offshore wind industry... Read More AOWA Announces 2024 Awards at the Floating Wind Solutions (FWS) Conference 1/17/25 In 2024 at American Offshore Wind Academy, we trained 400+ people from over 160 companies. There were a few who stood out to us for being professional development champions... Read More AOWA Launches New Podcast Series: Ask The Expert 11/01/24 In AOWA's "Ask the Expert" series, we sit down with a top offshore wind expert for a quick "coffee chat" on various offshore wind topics. You can join us directly on LinkedIn... Read More AOWA Sponsors ACP Offshore Wind Power Conference 9/28/24 The American Offshore Wind Academy is a proud sponsor of the American Clean Power (ACP) Offshore Wind Power Conference... Read More AOWA Sponsors AFloat - American Floating Offshore Wind Technical Summit 9/24/24 The American Offshore Wind Academy is a proud sponsor of this year's American Floating Offshore Wind Technical Summit... Read More AOWA Launches Scholarship Program 8/28/24 Empower your career with The American Offshore Wind Academy... Read More AOWA Announces Partnership with UMaine 8/07/24 The American Offshore Wind Academy is pleased to share our latest partnership updates... Read More AOWA Supports Reuters Event: Offshore Wind USA 2024 Conference 6/12/24 American Offshore Wind Academy is a proud supporting partner for Reuters Events Renewables: Offshore Wind USA 2024 conference... Read More AOWA Announces Partnership with General Electric (GE Vernova) 4/17/24 The American Offshore Wind Academy is pleased to share our latest partnership updates... Read More AOWA Announces Partnership with Boston Consulting Group (BCG) 3/18/24 The American Offshore Wind Academy is pleased to share our latest partnership updates... Read More AOWA Announces Partnership with K&L Gates 3/12/24 The American Offshore Wind Academy is pleased to share our latest partnership updates... Read More AOWA Announces Partnership with Aker Solutions 3/05/24 The American Offshore Wind Academy is pleased to share our latest partnership updates... Read More AOWA Announces Partnership with 2H Offshore 2/26/24 The American Offshore Wind Academy is pleased to share our latest partnership updates... Read More AOWA Announces Partnership with Oceaneering 2/15/24 The American Offshore Wind Academy is pleased to share our latest partnership updates... Read More AOWA Announces Partnership with TGS 2/12/24 The American Offshore Wind Academy is pleased to share our latest partnership updates... Read More PES Wind: AOWA Takes Strides in Advancing Offshore Wind Professional Training 2/08/24 In a bid to foster excellence in offshore wind professional training, the American Offshore Wind Academy (AOWA) has been making significant strides since its launch last fall... Read More AOWA Announces Partnership with Alpine 2/03/24 The American Offshore Wind Academy is pleased to share our latest partnership updates... Read More AOWA Announces Partnership with Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) 2/01/24 The American Offshore Wind Academy is pleased to share our latest partnership updates... Read More AOWA Launched at ACP Conference 10/03/23 AOWA officially launched during the American Clean Power (ACP) Conference in Boston, heralding a new chapter in the offshore wind industry's commitment to empower the industry through education, training, and collaboration... Read More

Newsletters The Reef Effect: How Offshore Wind Benefits Marine Life July 24, 2025 This article highlights the "reef effect" phenomenon, detailing how these structures attract and support various marine species, from algae and shellfish to fish and crustaceans. It also discusses innovative approaches like 3D-printed reefs and nature-inclusive designs in scour protection, which further enhance biodiversity. Read More Offshore Wind: Future Ready Workforce July 18, 2025 SNAME MT Magazine: The Seafaring Workforce of Tomorrow Article: Offshore Wind Workforce Author: Thalia Kruger Read More Offshore Wind: The Only Practical Solution to Meeting New York’s Growing Electricity Demands June 5, 2025 A recent report by Aurora Energy Research says that offshore wind is key to meeting New York's power needs and improving energy independence. Read More Offshore Wind's Scaling Debate: Power, Progress, and Potential Pitfalls April 9, 2025 The pursuit of ever-larger offshore wind turbines reflects a powerful tension between the imperative for accelerated renewable energy deployment and the inherent complexities of scaling nascent technologies. While the promise of enhanced energy capture, reduced costs, and optimized resource utilization fuels this drive, critical questions emerge regarding technological reliability, infrastructural readiness, and supply chain resilience... Read More U.S. Offshore Wind: An Update on Near-Term Projects March 24, 2025 Rising costs, high interest rates, and supply chain issues have forced offshore wind companies to cancel or renegotiate contracts, while policy changes, including a presidential memorandum pausing leases, have caused project delays and financial losses. This article categorizes the current status of U.S. offshore wind projects, detailing those operational, under construction, approved, paused, or canceled, illustrating the sector's volatile near-term landscape... Read More Shell Pulls Back From Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind Project January 31, 2025 Shell has abruptly pulled out of the Atlantic Shores offshore wind project, writing off nearly $1 billion and casting a dark cloud over New Jersey's ambitious renewable energy goals. Facing rising costs and investor pressure, the oil giant is retreating from its once-promising venture in wind power... Read More Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Project Continues Amidst Industry Headwinds January 27, 2025 The US offshore wind industry currently faces uncertainty due to a recent executive order halting new leases. However, construction of the $9.8 billion Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) project continues. Dominion Energy remains confident in completing the 2.6 GW project by 2026... Read More Meet Charybdis: America's First Domestic Wind Turbine Installation Vessel February 7, 2025 The Charybdis, the first U.S.-built wind turbine installation vessel, represents a $715 million investment in American offshore wind energy. Built in Texas, this Jones Act-compliant vessel will play a crucial role in Dominion Energy's Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project and future East Coast developments... Read More Closing the Loop: DOE Report Charts Path to Sustainable Wind Turbine Recycling February 4, 2025 A new report from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) offers a roadmap for a more sustainable wind energy industry through increased recycling and reuse of decommissioned wind turbine components. The report, "Recycling Wind Energy Systems in the United States," reveals... Read More Beyond the Horizon: The Future of Offshore Wind is Floating February 26, 2025 Approximately 80% of the world's offshore wind potential lies in waters deeper than 60 meters (200 feet), a domain exclusively accessible to floating platforms. This technology therefore provides a crucial pathway to harness previously untapped energy reserves, propelling the clean energy transition. While challenges persist, the floating wind industry's rapid advancement, fueled by innovation and investment, signals its growing recognition as a pivotal energy solution... Read More Navigating the Waters: Offshore Wind and Whale Protection February 19, 2025 The offshore wind industry is taking concrete steps to minimize its impact on marine life. While we often hear claims that offshore wind development is responsible for increased whale mortality off of the U.S. East Coast, this is far from the truth. Recent studies tells us that the largest threat to marine mammals is vessel strikes and entanglement in abandoned fishing equipment... Read More AOWA Collaborates with MassCEC: Targeted Offshore Wind Programs for Minority and Woman Entrepreneurs (MWBEs) February 17, 2025 Are you a minority or woman entrepreneur (MWBE) interested in the burgeoning offshore wind industry? Take our 5-10 minute survey to help shape these valuable workshops, skills training, and networking opportunities... Read More Offshore Wind: Fueling Economic Growth Across the U.S. February 12, 2025 Offshore wind power is more than just a clean energy source; it's a catalyst for economic revitalization, creating a ripple effect of jobs, investment, and opportunity that stretches across the United States. While the turbines themselves capture the imagination of many, the true story lies in the intricate supply chain... Read More

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American Offshore Wind Academy (AOWA) offers expert-led offshore wind training programs for professionals. Advance your career with industry-leading courses EXPERTS TEACHING EXPERTS View Courses 150+ SME Instructors 50+ Comprehensive Courses 21+ Training Partners 630+ Trained Professionals 30+ Countries We've Expanded! Check Out Our New Website Offshore Wind Academy (OWA) Industry Trusted Partners American Offshore Wind Academy The American Offshore Wind Academy (AOWA) is a pioneering initiative driven by offshore wind industry leaders who are committed to advancing and strengthening the sector. The Academy’s mission is to empower and advance the offshore wind industry in the United States and worldwide through comprehensive education, training, and collaboration. With a commitment to excellence, innovation, and industry growth, the Academy strives to empower individuals, organizations, governments, and the broader offshore wind community to make a significant and lasting impact on the clean energy landscape of the world. STAY IN THE KNOW Enter your email here Sign Up Thanks for submitting!

< Back AOWA Announces Partnership with UMaine 8/07/24 We are thrilled to announce a new partnership between the American Offshore Wind Academy and the UMaine Advanced Structures & Composites Center at the University of Maine. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in our commitment to advancing offshore wind energy education and research. AOWA will be utilizing the state-of-the-art facilities at ASCC to host its wind and wave workshops, bringing together industry professionals, researchers, and students to learn and innovate in the field of offshore wind energy. The ASCC’s cutting-edge technology and expertise will provide unparalleled resources and support for these workshops, ensuring a top-tier learning experience for all participants. This workshop will offer a unique opportunity to dive deep into offshore wind and wave dynamics, leveraging the world-class capabilities of ASCC’s facilities. Previous Next

Registration form for the training course: Offshore Wind Geophysical and Geotechnical Training First Name Last Name Email Address Phone Number Company / Organization Name Job Title or Position Country State, Region, or Province Address Confirm the course name Offshore Wind Geophysical and Geotechnical Training Are you applying as: * Individual Group Select the course date * Spring Session Fall Session By clicking submit you agree to our Terms and Conditions Submit Your application has been submitted. We will reach out to you to complete the payment

< Back AOWA Launched at ACP Conference 10/03/23 Boston, MA - ACP Wind Power Conference A groundbreaking training platform dedicated to supporting and nurturing the industry's growth. The American Offshore Wind Academy officially launched during the American Clean Power (ACP) Conference in Boston, heralding a new chapter in the offshore wind industry's commitment to empower the industry through education, training, and collaboration. A pioneering initiative driven by senior executives within the offshore wind industry who are committed to advancing and strengthening the sector. Recognizing the immense potential of offshore wind energy in the United States and globally, they come together to establish a groundbreaking platform dedicated to supporting and nurturing the industry's growth. The Academy is set to offer an extensive catalog of over 50 specialized courses covering various aspects of the offshore wind sector. These courses, designed to cater to industry professionals, span a wide range of topics from technology and innovation to project management and environmental considerations. The American Offshore Wind Academy is forging robust partnerships with key players in the offshore wind industry. These partnerships will bring industry expertise into the training program, ensuring that professionals benefit from real-world insights and practical knowledge. Serene Hamsho, President of the American Offshore Wind Academy, shared her insights into the Academy's goals. "The offshore wind sector is on the cusp of significant growth, but it faces a critical need for a highly skilled workforce. The American Offshore Wind Academy was conceived to address this need comprehensively. Our mission is to empower and advance the offshore wind industry, not just in the United States but on a global scale. We're excited to provide comprehensive education and training to professionals looking to make an impact in this dynamic field." The Academy boasts a diverse and influential Board of Advisors, comprised of key figures representing various facets of the offshore wind industry. Jim Bennett, Former Senior Advisor for Renewable Energy Program, BOEM, and current Advisor for the academy commented, "The Academy will help provide critical training opportunities for the workforce as this American industry grows toward its full potential." Adrienne Downey, Principal Engineer and Country Manager North America at Hexicon, said, “The American Offshore Wind Academy is bridging the gap between vision and execution for the offshore wind sector. Its comprehensive training programs will play a vital role in building the skilled workforce needed to support the industry’s continued growth and innovation." The American Offshore Wind Academy is a pioneering initiative driven by leaders and senior executives within the offshore wind industry. It is dedicated to empowering and advancing the offshore wind industry through comprehensive education, professional training, and collaboration. Previous Next

< Back After Empire June 19th. 2025 Written by Dawn MacDonald, Global Offshore Wind Sector Lead at AECOM Now that Empire Wind has gotten a reprieve from its unforeseen stop work order, the US offshore wind industry is releasing a collective sigh of relief and looking to rapidly get turbines in the water before the industry is again in the crosshairs. Not to rain on anyone’s parade, but while the industry pushes to get this next round of projects online, a bit of contemplation of ‘what’s next’ is worthwhile for those of us not on the front lines. The administration’s U-turn on the Empire Wind’s stop work order gives the US domestic offshore wind market some confidence that business pragmatism may ultimately outweigh the new administration’s opposition to the sector. The US market’s downturn could ultimately benefit the global OSW market, releasing pressure on stretched global OEMs and investors, however, the implications for long term confidence in the US market is unclear at this point. Impressive Progress to Date There are currently five commercial scale offshore wind projects (including Empire Wind ), in construction in the US, including Dominion Energy ’s Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) Commercial project, Ørsted ’s Revolution and Sunrise wind projects and the Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners / Avangrid Vineyard wind project. Barring any further interruptions to these late state projects, we should expect to see around 6 GW of offshore wind deployed on US coasts and injecting power into US grids by the end of 2027. Significant investments have been made in developing the supporting infrastructure to build this initial tranche of generation assets, including: A Jones Act compliant wind turbine installation vessel ( WTIV ), the Charybdis , as well as other smaller bespoke vessels. Multiple ports to support project construction and operations. (New Bedford Commerce Terminal in MA, Port of New London in CT, Port of Davisville in RI, The South Brooklyn Marine Terminal in NY, and The New Jersey Wind Port). Manufacturing facilities to build some of the key components of the projects like high voltage subsea cables in Charleston, South Carolina and Chesapeake, Virginia by Nexans and LS GreenLink respectively. While this is meaningful progress, it’s quite different from the level of development envisioned by the prior administration in implementing the Inflation Reduction Act and the level of investment predicted by the industry. With the recent changes in tax and regulatory policy, it’s fair to say the industry is generally not expecting substantial progress in regulatory approval or construction for the next three and a half years beyond the 6 GW mentioned above. So, what might a renewed view of US offshore wind look like to potential developers and states in 2028? Cautious Optimism Developers and investors who’ve collectively sunk billions into the market are likely counting on a couple points to support the ultimate return of the US OSW market. - A backlog of generation , particularly in the US Northeast: The region is currently largely powered by natural gas, nuclear power, and hydropower. Several of these existing power generation faculties are targeted for retirement over the next decade. Combined with the increased power demand driven by increased electrification and new demands like data centers, there is a significant need for new generation in the region, which the ISOs in the region had been looking to offshore wind to fill. Should the next phase of consented projects, including the next phase of Empire Wind and Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind , not progress through to financial close as planned, ISOs in the region will have a gap in the generation side of their long-range plans. What alternative technology can fill that gap? Per recent comments from the CEO of NextEra Energy Resources a, the US’s largest power developer, a new natural gas power plant would be looking at a deployment in 2030 or later , and a cost of $2,400/kW . Should this timeline and pricing hold true, the next tranche of consented OSW projects is likely to have a path to competitiveness come 2028. - More advanced technology : The current set of projects are generally anticipated to be using 14-15 MW turbines – a postponement of 4 years may allow developers to deploy the next generation of turbines with unit capacity of 18 MW or more. The US projects may also be able to benefit from future advancements in cables, electrical systems, foundation designs and installation technologies, giving them a potential benefit in terms of levelized cost of energy compared to todays estimates. - A more fully developed global supply chain : OSW projects around the world are currently suffering from significant pressure on the global supply chain, including critical HVDC infrastructure, vessels and other key components. Some of that stress was previously anticipated to be addressed through new manufacturing and assembly facilities in the US, backstopped by the domestic offshore wind industry and further supported by local content requirements and investment incentives as set out in the IRA and other policies. With the current project forecast and US policy changes, these OEMs are likely looking for more favorable investment environments, likely in Europe, the UK or Asia. Developers looking at US OSW developments in 2028 may be able to secure significantly better commercial terms from the supply chain based on reduced global supply chain pressure, however local content expectations may need to be revisited as OEM may be less willing to further extend there recently expanded manufacturing base. Objective Realism However, the set of 2028 US OSW projects will also face substantial hurdles. - Technological competition : While, as noted, OSW compares favorably on average to alternative technologies such as gas fired power, the current burdens on offshore wind business cases will undoubtedly support the advancement of alternative power sources including gas, micro and small modular reactors (SMRs) and possibly interconnectors for incremental electricity imports as utilities look to close the gap between demand and generation. As these alternatives technologies are deployed, their respective supply chains will be further developed, degrading the current cost and schedule advantage for offshore wind. - Investment entrenched in proven, stable markets : For all its recurrent challenges with short term OSW market volatility and uncertainty, looking over the long term, European jurisdictions have shown a steady commitment the offshore wind sector for decades. Investors, with their US projects on hold, or otherwise looking to invest in the industry, may divert their capital to more established European markets. Given the long-term nature of these projects, this likely refocus on Europe may well be ‘sticky’ leaving less capital available for reinvestment in US projects late in the decade should policy shift. - Further maturation of new jurisdictions : A four year pause in the US offshore wind sector may allow emerging markets some breathing space to develop, by opening up investment capacity and room in the supply chain for projects in Australia, South America, the Baltic, Canada and other regions early in their OSW development. This may enable some of these new markets to get a foothold in the global market, attracting investment from developers and OEMs. For the US, this may result in more competition for foreign capital if the market looks to restart late in the decade, and the US may need to reset its expectations in any future leasing rounds and procurement processes. - Increased perception of US regulatory risk : Underpinning all of this is the changing view of foreign and domestic investors into political and regulatory risk for US projects in the offshore wind industry and more broadly. Before committing development funds to multi-billion-dollar projects with decade long timelines, investors will need to quantify the risk that these prospective projects might be derailed by a future administration. That risk will be costed into the economic models, impacting pricing for future procurements, return expectations and project valuations. A Pragmatic Path Forward So where does this leave the US OSW industry? I’ll certainly be holding my breath alongside the rest of the industry looking for this first tranche of commercial projects to finish construction and start operations. Provided the permits for the next tranche of projects withstand the next few years, the proponents will likely face significantly different market conditions as they look to restart their projects in 2028. The uncertainty may lead some developers to look to divest rather than suspend their projects, leading to an increase in transaction activity as those market players with lower risk tolerance or less patience leave the market. While these are trying times, the US OSW may do well to look to lessons learned from prior, albeit less dramatic, downturns in the European industry’s history: Stem the bleeding : We’re already seeing evidence of the remaining projects putting their heads down, reducing spend and waiting for more favorable investment conditions. LinkedIn feeds are filled with key project staff who’ve been laid off to reduce project costs and discretionary development funding is being deferred until the market is improved. Retain key assets : While reducing development costs is essential, developers cannot lose sight of the need to retain key assets, including key project team members, relationships with regulators, utilities, ports and the supply chain. Long-term, the market rewards agility : Those projects that can continue to negotiate with suppliers, utilities and regulators to adapt their schedules, project scopes and contract terms will be better able to rapidly pivot as the market, regulation and trade policy evolve. Ultimately the winners, if we can call anyone that in this situation, will be the projects able to think creatively, collaborate with favorable states to retain sector progress where possible and adapt their strategies to meet the new reality. Previous Next

Registration form for the training course: Offshore Wind Blade Testing and Inspection Workshop First Name Last Name Email Address Phone Number Company / Organization Name Job Title or Position Country State, Region, or Province Address Confirm the course name Offshore Wind Blade Testing and Inspection Workshop Are you applying as: * Individual Group Select the course date * Spring Session Fall Session By clicking submit you agree to our Terms and Conditions Submit Your application has been submitted. We will reach out to you to complete the payment

< Back Offshore Wind: The Only Practical Solution to Meeting New York’s Growing Electricity Demands June 5, 2025 A new report from Aurora Energy Research , commissioned by the Alliance for Clean Energy New York (ACENY), concluded that offshore wind is the only viable near-term solution to address downstate New York's escalating energy reliability concerns. This finding is particularly urgent as the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) projects potential electricity shortfalls in New York City as early as this year. The urgency is underscored by a variety of factors straining the energy system in New York City and Long Island. These downstate regions face rising reliability challenges driven by significant transmission constraints, which make importing sufficient generation difficult and costly to expand. Compounding this, New York’s peak demand is forecasted to grow quickly, largely due to increased electrification, with winter demand seeing particularly sharp increases. Furthermore, tightening capacity margins are a critical concern; NYISO has estimated that New York City could experience a deficit of up to 461 MW for several hours in 2025 if the planned retirements of older, fossil fuel-fired generators proceed, highlighting an immediate need for new, local power sources. Finding enough land for new power sources in downstate New York is a major hurdle. This scarcity not only limits how much new energy infrastructure can be built but also significantly drives up construction costs. In fact, Aurora estimates it's about 1.4 times more expensive to build new energy projects in downstate regions compared to upstate. Offshore wind neatly avoids this problem because its power generation facilities are located out at sea, with minimal land use on the coast. This is a huge advantage for densely populated areas like New York City (Zone J) and Long Island (Zone K). Aurora's long-term modeling shows that New York will need approximately 15 GW of offshore wind by 2040. If the state tried to get the same amount of power from solar, it would need around 520 square miles of land. For land-based wind power, it would be about 680 square miles. Even if New York City tried to generate the needed electricity with traditional sources, it would still require developing 15 square miles of land (roughly 1,750 Manhattan city blocks). The report also notes that alternatives to offshore wind face significant challenges other than land use. For instance, developing new natural gas power plants (thermal generation) is severely hampered by shortages in essential components like gas turbines, leading to long project lead times that can extend up to eight years. This bottleneck is intensified by surging global demand for these turbines; GE Vernova , one of the world's largest manufacturers, reported a 90% increase in orders between 2023 and 2024, directly contributing to these extended timelines. Meanwhile, other potential zero-emission technologies, such as small modular nuclear reactors or hydrogen-fuel peaking plants, have not yet reached the commercial scale required to make a significant impact in the near term. Offshore wind is uniquely positioned to meet this growing demand. According to Aurora, it is the only net-new generation capacity currently in the queue for New York that can realistically add supply within this decade. To interconnect into the NYISO grid, projects are required to enter the interconnection queue (ICQ). Clearing the queue takes several years, giving an indication of all capacity likely to come online in the next ~4 years. While 1.8 GW of battery storage (BESS) and 1.3 GW of transmission could be online by 2027, offshore wind is the only net new generation capacity in the queue for downstate NY. "Offshore wind is poised to provide much needed relief to the tightening NYISO system," said Julia Hoos, Head of USA East at Aurora Energy Research. "Without offshore wind, we find that New York becomes increasingly dependent on importing power from its neighbors in New England and the Mid-Atlantic — and those regions face tight conditions at exactly the same time. Offshore wind can help alleviate this pressure and shelter New Yorkers from high energy prices associated with cold winters and fluctuating gas prices.” Key benefits of offshore wind highlighted in the report include: Enhanced Energy Independence: Developing in-state offshore wind reduces reliance on imports, particularly during peak winter periods when neighboring regions also face high demand. Consumer Cost Savings: Aurora estimates that if the Empire Wind 1, Sunrise Wind, and South Fork Wind projects had been operational during a single cold, high-cost month in 2022, New Yorkers could have saved $77 million in electricity costs. These savings are projected to be even higher in future winters. Land-Use Efficiency: To meet New York’s energy goals, approximately 15 GW of offshore wind would be needed by 2040. Generating the equivalent with solar or land-based wind would require over 600 square miles of land, a significant challenge in space-constrained downstate New York. Meeting Climate Goals: Offshore wind deployment is crucial for decarbonization, potentially leading to a decrease in the social cost of carbon by up to $1 billion in annual savings by 2040. Overall, the evidence strongly indicates that offshore wind is uniquely positioned to address New York's burgeoning energy demands in the most economically sound way. It stands out as the optimal path forward to maintain affordable energy prices, especially during challenging winter months, while simultaneously bolstering grid reliability and advancing the state's energy independence. With mounting pressure on the existing energy infrastructure and a scarcity of viable alternatives, the findings of the Aurora report underscore that investing in offshore wind is not just a timely and practical decision, but an essential one for securing New York’s energy future. Check out the full report by Aurora Energy Research here: Meeting New York’s Energy Needs: Reliability & Offshore Wind Previous Next

< Back Navigating the Waters: Offshore Wind and Whale Protection February 19, 2025 Misinformation campaigns, often fueled by fossil fuel interests, have falsely linked offshore wind development to increased whale deaths. These campaigns exploit public concern for marine life, using emotionally charged imagery and selective data to create a misleading narrative. They frequently misrepresent the primary causes of whale mortality – ship strikes and entanglement in fishing gear – while downplaying the significant efforts undertaken by the offshore wind industry to protect marine mammals. This misinformation not only obstructs the urgently needed transition to clean energy but also diverts attention from the real threats facing whales, hindering effective conservation. Critically evaluating information sources and relying on peer-reviewed scientific research is crucial for understanding the true relationship between offshore wind and marine mammal health. As of 2024, no U.S. whale death has been linked to offshore wind operations. The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) , in collaboration with offshore wind developers and environmental organizations, has developed “ Best Management Practices for North Atlantic Right Whales During Offshore Wind Energy Construction and Operations Along the U.S. East Coast. ” These guidelines, along with agreements like the one signed by Vineyard Wind, NRDC, Conservation Law Foundation, and National Wildlife Federation, provide a robust framework for balancing clean energy development with marine mammal protection. While the offshore wind industry is a crucial component of the clean energy transition, it recognizes its responsibility to minimize impacts on vulnerable species like whales. Fortunately, the industry is actively implementing a range of measures to safeguard these animals. Siting: Choosing the Right Locations Siting is the first line of defense. It involves carefully analyzing available data on whale migration routes, feeding grounds, breeding areas, and other critical habitats. Developers work with scientists and regulatory agencies to identify areas where wind farm development would pose the least risk to marine mammals. This often involves excluding designated protected areas, known aggregation sites, and important migratory corridors. While avoiding all interactions is impossible, strategic siting significantly minimizes the potential for negative impacts. Advanced modeling and predictive tools are increasingly being used to refine site selection and further reduce risks. Vessel Speed Limits: Slowing Down for Safety Vessel strikes are a major threat to whales. Implementing and strictly enforcing speed limits for all vessels associated with offshore wind projects is crucial. This includes construction vessels, transport ships, crew transfer vessels, and maintenance boats. Lower speeds (typically 10 knots or less in whale sensitive areas) give vessel operators more time to spot whales and avoid collisions. Slower speeds also reduce the severity of impacts if a collision does occur, potentially minimizing injuries or fatalities. GPS tracking and other monitoring technologies can be used to ensure compliance with speed limits. Seasonal Construction Restrictions: Timing is Everything Many whale species undertake seasonal migrations, moving between breeding grounds and feeding areas. Construction activities, especially pile driving, can generate significant underwater noise that disrupts these movements and communication. Seasonal restrictions, informed by scientific data on whale presence and migration patterns, can minimize these disruptions. For example, pile driving might be restricted during periods when whales are known to frequent a particular area. These restrictions are often site-specific and tailored to the particular species present and their behavior. Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM): Listening for Whales PAM systems use underwater microphones (hydrophones) to listen for whale vocalizations. These systems can detect the presence of whales even when they are not visually observed, providing a valuable early warning system. PAM can be deployed 24/7, providing continuous monitoring, unlike visual observation which is limited by daylight and weather conditions. The data collected from PAM systems can be used to inform real-time decision-making regarding construction activities, allowing work to be paused or modified if whales are detected in the vicinity. Image credit: NOAA Protected Species Observers (PSOs): Eyes on the Water Trained PSOs are stationed on construction vessels and platforms to visually scan the surrounding waters for marine mammals. They are trained to identify different species and recognize behaviors that may indicate distress or avoidance. PSOs have the authority to halt construction activities if whales or other protected species are observed within a designated safety zone. They also record sightings and other relevant data, contributing to long-term monitoring efforts. Night vision and other specialized equipment can also be used to enhance visual observation capabilities. Image credit: NOAA Bubble Curtains: A Barrier for Underwater Noise Bubble curtains are a noise mitigation technology used to reduce the impact of underwater noise generated by pile driving. They consist of a perforated pipe or ring placed around the pile driving site, which releases a stream of air bubbles. These bubbles create a barrier that absorbs and deflects sound waves, reducing the amount of noise that travels outwards. Double bubble curtains, with two concentric rings of bubbles, provide even greater noise reduction (up to nearly 95%). Image credit: Continental Other Mitigation Measures and Ongoing Research Aerial Surveys: Regular aerial surveys, conducted by trained observers, provide a broader view of whale distribution and behavior in and around project areas. These surveys can be used to validate PAM data and identify areas of high whale activity. Long-Term Research and Monitoring: Comprehensive research and monitoring programs are essential for understanding the long-term effects of offshore wind development on marine mammals. These programs involve collecting data on whale populations, behavior, habitat use, and exposure to noise and other stressors. Collaboration between developers, scientists, and environmental groups is crucial for ensuring that research efforts are well-designed and the results are shared widely. Technological Advancements: The offshore wind industry is continually exploring and developing new technologies to minimize impacts on marine mammals. This includes quieter installation methods, improved acoustic monitoring systems, and innovative deterrents. Continued research and development are essential for further reducing risks and ensuring the coexistence of offshore wind and marine life. Habitat Restoration and Enhancement: In some cases, developers may undertake habitat restoration or enhancement projects to offset potential impacts on marine mammals. This could involve restoring degraded coastal habitats or creating artificial reefs to provide alternative foraging or breeding areas. The offshore wind industry recognizes its responsibility to protect marine life. These implemented measures, coupled with continued investment in research and innovation, demonstrate a commitment to minimizing impacts and ensuring the health and safety of whales and other marine mammals. While offshore wind plays a vital role in the clean energy transition, the industry understands that addressing the primary threats to whales, alongside responsible development, is absolutely essential for the long-term survival of these magnificent creatures. Sources: NRDC , Saildrone , NOAA , Wind Exchange , Environment America , Conservation Law Foundation Previous Next

< Back Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Project Continues Amidst Industry Headwinds January 27, 2025 The recent executive order temporarily halting new federal wind leases has created uncertainty within the US offshore wind industry. While this pause may impact future projects, the construction of the $9.8 billion Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) project continues to progress. Dominion Energy , the developer of CVOW, remains confident in the completion of this 2.6 GW project, which is scheduled to be operational in 2026 and capable of powering 660,000 homes. As of November 2024, half of the monopile foundations for the 174 turbines had been installed roughly 27 miles off the coast of Virginia Beach. Recent developments include the departure of a heavy load carrier from the Port of Aalborg, Denmark, carrying 18 transition pieces for CVOW. This shipment, delivered by CS WIND Offshore , brings the total number of delivered transition pieces to 69. Despite challenging weather conditions, the loading operation was successfully completed, and the vessel is now in route to the US for installation by DEME Group . While Dominion emphasizes the long-term bipartisan support for Virginia's clean energy transition, the future of its other offshore wind leases, planned for development in the 2030s, remains uncertain due to the ongoing federal review of wind energy policies. The company secured a 176,000-acre lease adjacent to its existing CVOW project for $17.6 million in a federal auction last year. Additionally, they acquired Kitty Hawk North Wind, a 40,000-acre lease off the Outer Banks, from Avangrid Renewables for $160 million. Neither of these newly acquired leases have received the necessary federal permits for development, making their estimated cost and timeline currently unknown. Dominion has also implemented risk mitigation strategies, such as selling a stake in the CVOW project, to navigate potential challenges. Credit: Virginia Business Previous Next

Offshore Wind Blade Testing and Inspection Workshop Offshore wind blade testing and inspection is a critical aspect of ensuring the reliability and longevity of wind turbines in harsh marine environments. This process involves a range of techniques and considerations, including blade manufacturing, materials science, aerodynamics, structural integrity, and environmental factors. Keywords related to this field encompass blade design, composite materials (fiberglass, carbon fiber, resin), manufacturing processes (layup, molding, infusion), quality control, non-destructive testing (NDT), ultrasonic testing (UT), phased array ultrasonic testing (PAUT), eddy current testing (ET), radiographic testing (RT), thermography, visual inspection, borescope inspection, crack detection, delamination, fatigue testing, static testing, dynamic testing, bend testing, tensile testing, shear testing, buckling, vibration analysis, modal analysis, finite element analysis (FEA), computational fluid dynamics (CFD), blade aerodynamics, lift, drag, turbulence, wind loads, extreme weather conditions (storms, icing), salt spray corrosion, UV degradation, erosion, leading edge erosion, trailing edge damage, lightning strike protection, blade repair, blade maintenance, offshore operations, remote sensing, drone inspection, aerial inspection, underwater inspection, robotics, automation, data analysis, predictive maintenance, condition monitoring, structural health monitoring (SHM), sensors, strain gauges, accelerometers, acoustic emission, oil and gas industry parallels, marine environment, offshore wind farms, renewable energy, sustainable energy, wind energy technology, levelized cost of energy (LCOE), energy production, grid integration, safety, risk assessment, certification, standards (IEC, DNV GL), regulatory compliance, blade transportation, blade installation, offshore logistics, metocean data, weather forecasting, blade optimization, performance analysis, cost-effectiveness, lifecycle assessment, failure analysis, root cause analysis, warranty claims, insurance, offshore wind technicians, blade specialists, training, safety procedures, access systems, working at height, confined space entry, personal protective equipment (PPE), emergency response, search and rescue, environmental impact, marine ecosystems, noise pollution, visual impact, stakeholder engagement, community relations, permitting, environmental regulations, offshore wind development, project planning, due diligence, feasibility studies, risk management, supply chain, manufacturing capacity, logistics, port infrastructure, vessel availability, heavy lift vessels, jack-up vessels, crew transfer vessels, cable laying vessels, offshore construction, commissioning, operation and maintenance (O&M), service agreements, spare parts, inventory management, logistics optimization, digitalization, data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), digital twins, simulation, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), remote operations centers, autonomous systems, robotics in offshore wind, underwater robotics, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), oceanographic surveys, bathymetry, seabed mapping, geotechnical investigations, environmental monitoring, marine mammals, bird strikes, wildlife protection, environmental impact assessment (EIA), social impact assessment (SIA), community benefits, job creation, local content, supply chain development, economic development, sustainable development goals (SDGs), climate change mitigation, decarbonization, energy transition, green energy, clean energy, renewable energy targets, policy support, government incentives, offshore wind industry, global market, market trends, technological advancements, research and development, innovation, collaboration, knowledge sharing, best practices, industry standards, safety culture, continuous improvement, operational excellence, asset integrity management, risk-based inspection, reliability-centered maintenance, predictive maintenance strategies, condition-based maintenance, life extension, repowering, decommissioning, end-of-life management, circular economy, recycling, waste management, environmental sustainability, social responsibility, corporate governance, ethical business practices, transparency, accountability, stakeholder engagement, community involvement, social license to operate, public acceptance, environmental stewardship, climate action, sustainable development. Offshore Wind Blade Testing and Inspection Workshop Price $1,250 Duration 1-Day Dates Fall 2025 edition TBA - Enroll to stay updated Format In-Person WTTC, MA Course Status Open Enroll Offshore Wind Blade Testing and Inspection Workshop This workshop provides comprehensive training on the testing and inspection of offshore wind blades, covering essential topics such as certification processes, inspection methods, typical findings, and repair options. Led by industry experts, participants will gain practical knowledge and hands-on experience to effectively evaluate the condition of wind turbine blades and ensure their safety and performance. This course takes place from 9am to 4pm EST. Wind Technology Testing Center This workshop will be held in person at the Wind Technology Testing Center (WTTC) in Massachusetts. Registration costs do not cover travel or accommodation expenses. Course Objectives: - Understand the certification process and international standards for offshore wind blades. - Learn various inspection methods, including contact and non-contact techniques. - Identify typical findings during blade inspections, such as delamination, cracks, and manufacturing deviations. - Explore repair options for addressing blade damage and defects. - Gain practical insights into blade testing and inspection through interactive sessions and real-world case studies. What Attendees Think: “The Offshore Wind Blade Testing and Inspection Workshop was very informative. Having the ability to see the scale and size of these blades in person allows one to put the inspecting process into perspective. Knowing what’s possible when it comes to inspecting blades will give one a better understanding of the decisions made during operations and management of wind turbines.” - Baker P. Lead Engineer – Testing, GE Vernova Who Should Attend: This workshop is designed for professionals involved in the maintenance, inspection, and management of offshore wind turbines, including wind farm operators and maintenance personnel, inspectors and technicians responsible for blade inspections, engineers and project managers in the renewable energy sector, and regulatory authorities and industry stakeholders seeking to enhance their understanding of offshore wind blade testing and inspection. Any professional who is interested in a hands-on visit to a blade testing center is welcomed. Course Outline: Module 1: WTTC Overview and Tour - Roundtable Introductions and Icebreaker 20 minutes - WTTC Blade Testing Presentation 30 minutes - WTTC Tour 1 hour - Coffee/Snack Break 10 minutes Module 2: Certification Process and Blade Testing environment - IEC 61400 and IECRE - IEC 61400 chapters -1,-5, -23 - International blade testing environment Module 3a: Blade Inspection Methods - Contact - Internal Visual - External Visual - Tap Testing Lunch / Table Topics Lunch with rotating question prompts to guide and promote discussion across multiple offshore wind subjects. Module 3b: Blade Inspection Methods – Non-contact - IR - Acoustic - Ultrasonic Module 4: Typical Findings - Delamination - Paste Cracks (transverse, longitudinal) - Manufacturing deviations - Panel gaps - Paste thickness and paste gaps - Wrinkles - Shipping / Handling damage - Lightning - Bolt loosening / failure - Coffee Break Module 5: Repair Options - Factory Repairs - Up-tower repairs - Blade removal - Typical Repairs Course Completion Certificate: Upon completing at least 50% of the course and achieving a minimum passing score of 50% on a post-course assessment, participants will receive a course certificate valid for three years. This certificate verifies that the essential learning outcomes of the course have been met. While not mandatory, this certification is currently undergoing an accreditation process to further enhance its value, allowing it to be used for job applications, promotions, and professional license renewals, such as the PE (Professional Engineer) license. Course Instructor George Blagdon Engineering Director, WTTC George is the Engineering Director at the Wind Technology Testing Center and has been active in wind turbine blade testing for over 12 years. Over this time, he has led the transition to testing ultra-long blades and will play a key role in the future plans of the facility. George leads a team of test engineers and takes a hands-on approach to engineering, never passing on an opportunity to climb in a blade. He acts as an expert technical assessor within the IECRE accreditation scheme, spending time in test facilities worldwide, and participates on the maintenance team for the IEC 61400-23 specification. Passionate about early STEM education, he has played a role in hosting hundreds of high school students for tours at the facility. He holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from UMass Dartmouth and an M.B.A from UMass Boston. Outside of work, you can find him spending time with family, working on the house, or getting lost in mountain biking trails.