Renewable sources like solar and land-based wind are becoming larger parts of the U.S. energy supply. However, the potential of offshore wind to supply clean, renewable energy is still largely untapped. The costs of offshore wind have fallen over the past decade making it an affordable, low environmental-impact, alternative for the dirtier energy sources that are on their way out.
Offshore wind development provides indirect environmental benefits by replacing polluting energy sources and direct economic benefits by providing jobs for wind farm operation and maintenance, and construction of related infrastructure. Beyond local jobs, offshore wind provides local power, reducing the need for imported power from neighboring states or countries.
Twenty-nine states have the potential to generate offshore wind energy. As states move towards their decarbonization goals, taking advantage of this potential is essential. A large part of decarbonization is relying less on fossil fuels like gas, oil, and coal to heat our buildings; meaning most (or all) of our energy system will need to transition to electric power. Electrification of the energy system will increase electricity demand, requiring even more renewable energy.
Solar and wind sources, coupled with battery storage, are poised to play a major role in the nation’s future energy system. Support from the Biden Administration, decarbonization commitments by states, and lots of new investment are all fueling the offshore wind movement. States along the east coast have already committed to purchasing about 30 GW offshore wind by 2035.
The potential for offshore wind in the United States has been left unused, but not for long. With support from federal, state and local government, increasing affordability, and the push towards renewable energy sources, offshore wind is poised to play an important role in the future of the nation’s energy system.
