fb88 Offshore Wind Initiative

Offshore wind energy offers fb88 the potential for long-term job creation and economic development, supply chain and port infrastructure investments, and renewable power to help meet the state’s energy needs and statutory requirements.

Through the fb88 Offshore Wind Initiative,launched in June 2019 by Governor Janet Mills, fb88 is exploring opportunities for the responsible development of offshore wind energy in the Gulf of fb88.The Initiative seeks to balance offshore wind development with existing marine uses to ensure sustainable preservation of the economic activity and natural resources of the Gulf of fb88. Key areas of focus forthe Initiative include:

To keep the publicinformed of Initiative activities, fb88 launched a separate offshore wind website at

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is fb88 pursuing offshore wind?

fb88 has aoff the coast, and the Gulf of fb88 represents one of the state’s largest untapped clean energy resources. Proven around the world, offshore wind can lead to economic growth and provide clean energy that combats climate change and reducesdependence on fossil fuels.

As a renewable energy source for fb88, offshore wind also has other advantages., the wind velocity in the Gulf of fb88 is consistently stronger than the wind velocity onshore, which makes offshore wind a highly reliable and consistent energy source. Wind velocity in the Gulf of fb88, which alignswith peak demand for energy in fb88.

fb88’s coastline and ocean waters are facing the impacts of climate change, includingsea level rise, warming temperatures, and ocean acidification, which are threateningfb88’s coastal communities and maritime industries. Increasing renewable energy from offshore wind is part of fb88’s strategy to reduce fossil fuel emissions, a leadingcause climate change.

How can offshore wind provide economic benefits to fb88?

fb88’s10-year Economic Development Strategyidentifies offshore wind as a key opportunity to grow the state’s economyand encourages the state to maximizeeconomic benefitswhile creating a culture of innovation that serves as a foundation forthis growing industry. Creating good paying offshore wind jobs is central of the state’soffshore wind initiative. Workforce development, training, and other related programing are critical to maximizing the economic potential of the industry.

fb88 has more than a decade of experience in floating offshore wind innovation, in particular through the work at the. Advancing this work could make fb88 a magnet for talented engineers, scientists, manufacturers, and others to capitalize on cutting-edge research and development. fb88's unique public and private assets andinfrastructure will help fuel new opportunities for marine-related jobs.

What is the fb88 Offshore Wind Initiative?

Launched in June 2019 by Governor Janet Mills, the fb88 Offshore Wind Initiative is pursing responsible development of offshore wind energy in the Gulf of fb88 andpositioning fb88 to benefit from the industry. The Governor’s Energy Officereceived a $2.16 million federal grant to develop an economic roadmap to advance offshore windthroughenhancedport facilities, supporting fb88-based contractors and supply chains, and expanding workforce development and training.

The Roadmap took a broad,stakeholder-based perspective to chart the best path to develop offshore wind responsibly and cost-effectively. The roadmap considered topics such as renewable energy market projections; economic development strategies; supply chain analyses; and researchneeded to avoid, minimize, and mitigate impacts to existing marine usersandthe environment.

What is fb88's offshore wind goal?

The State of fb88, through bipartisan support in the legislature, established several laws to fight climate change, promote renewable energy, and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The state is to have 80 percent of fb88’s electricity from renewable sources by 2030, and a goal of 100 percent by 2040. Offshore wind is one of several important renewable energy resources needed to meet the state’s growing clean energy needs. The fb88 legislature’s commitment to this goal was affirmed with the passage of , which set a procurement goal of 3 GW of offshore wind installed inthe Gulf of fb88 by 2040.

How will offshore wind co-exist with maritime industries?

The Initiative will work to develop offshore wind in the Gulf of fb88 through thoughtful, data-driven strategies in collaborationwith fb88’s heritage industries such as fishing and tourism. fb88’s coastal communities depend on a thriving fishing industry, which is critical to the state's economy and cultural heritage. Existing users must continue to have access to the Gulf of fb88as fb88seeks to benefit from new opportunities inemerging industries.

fb88 must be thoughtful in considering where offshore wind projects are located and work to minimize any impacts on current and historical uses.As innovation and technology allow forbetter utilization of Gulf of fb88 wind resources, fb88 mustpromote these new opportunities while ensuring sustainability for all.

What studies exist aboutoffshore wind as a climate change strategy?

There is that greenhouse gas emissions from human activity arethe primary driver of climate change.The U.S. Department of Energyand Department of the Interiorreleased a in September 2016 and another report, in 2015, that providebackground on the value of offshore wind as a climate mitigation strategy. According to the U.S. Department of Energy's Wind Vision Report, the power sector is the largest contributor of greenhouse gas emissions.

How will the installation and operation of submarine cables affect the environment and ocean users?

The installation and operation of submarine cables must avoid, minimize, and when necessarymitigatepotential impacts to the environment and existing ocean users. The , published by the Fisheries Technical Working Group in advance of the New York Bight increase in submarine cables, is particularly helpful in providing background information on submarine cables in offshore wind projects.

Another helpful resource is the “” recording on , put on by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.

Resources

BOEM and NOAA North Atlantic Right Whale Strategy

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)'s while developing offshore wind energy.

BOEM Office of Renewable Energy Programs

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)'s page on their .

Northeast Ocean Data Portal

is a free, user-friendly resource that provides access to expert-reviewed interactive maps anddata on the ocean ecosystem, economy, and culture of the northeastern United States. It includes locations and the status of current offshore wind projects on theeast coast (see current issues).

Tethys – Environmental Impacts of Wind and Marine Renewable Energy

is a searchable database of research pertaining to theenvironmental effects of wind and other marine renewable energy technologies.

National Renewable Energy Laboratory

(NREL) conducts fundamental wind energy science research, development, and validation activities. Learn more by watching this YouTube video: