US Offshore Wind Collaborative

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U.S. Offshore Wind Collaborative Fara Courtney | Launch Director, USOWC Mid-Atlantic / Southeast RWEI 2009 Annual Meeting November 17th, 2009 Baltimore, MD

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The mission of the US Offshore Wind Collaborative is to address the technical, environmental, economic, and regulatory issues necessary to catalyze the sustainable development of offshore wind energy in the waters of the United States.

USOWC UPDATE : 

USOWC UPDATE Incorporated as a 501c.3 organization in MA. Established National Board of Directors (first meeting December 1, 2009) Organized dialogue with NE and Mid-Atlantic Executive Agency Staff Working on research priorities with industry leaders Participating in planning for improving ocean management frameworks Published 2009-2010 Prospectus Published “U.S. Offshore Wind Energy: A Path Forward Fundraising begun

“A Path Forward” : 

“A Path Forward” An overview of the following areas critical to sustainable offshore wind energy development: Regulation and government policies Technology development Economic and financial viability Environmental/marine use compatibility Leadership and coordination. www.usowc.org

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Atlantic Ocean Gulf of Mexico Cape Wind Associates W.E.S.T. LLC Maine Deep Water Test Sites Southern Company Cuyahoga County New Jersey Delaware Rhode Island SAMP North Carolina Pilot Project Great Lakes Key Themes Growing Interest There is significant interest (especially at the state level) to pursue offshore wind development. Diverse Approaches States take a variety of regulatory and policy approaches Success requires federal-state partnership Financial Policies and Regulatory Structure as Drivers Clear government mandates for renewable energy production drive public and private investment Regulatory clarity and efficiency is key to building investor and public confidence New York

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` Investment in Research and Development Cost Reduction Improvements in foundation design and materials; consideration of alternative and advanced strategies for offshore wind project construction and O&M activities. Reliability Improvement in diagnostics and preventative maintenance for turbines and sub-systems; consideration of alternative design concepts that could avoid traditional problems with gearbox and/or blade failure. Deeper-Water Technology Floating platform technology is still in the conceptual stage, and further design development will be costly. Extensive research and funding are needed to engage entrepreneurs and technologists, rigorously test various designs, and identify the best floating concepts.

Special Use Vessels : 

Special Use Vessels Limited protected, shallow-water sites More economic to assemble turbines onshore Vessel costs: $200,000M -$350,000M Jones Act

Port Facilities : 

Port Facilities Large lay-out area Deep water port Overhead clearance Proximity to anticipated project sites Rail access O & M capability

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Economic and Financial Viability Long-term Financial Incentives Stable, guaranteed, long-term financial incentives would lead to significant growth in the offshore wind energy sector. More Aggressive Incentives might include a national renewable electricity standard (with set-asides or multipliers for offshore wind energy), or a stronger incentive structure that follows European models. Increased Funding for Research and Development Aimed At: Increasing reliability and accessibility. Modifying traditional monopile and jacket foundation designs to take full advantage of transitional and deep-water wind development opportunities off U.S. coasts. Developing promising innovations like floating platforms.

Transmission Issues : 

Transmission Issues

EU “Supergrid” : 

EU “Supergrid” The supergrid concept provides an opportunity for integrated energy infrastructure for Europe. It brings together two proven technologies: offshore wind energy and High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) Transmission. These technologies enable the supergrid to provide two distinct functions: 1.  It allows countries to trade their energy multilaterally. 2.  It creates a vast energy resource which is both sustainable and indigenous to Europe.

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Comprehensive Approach to Compatibility The ocean is a highly used public resource with multiple values: New ocean management regimes are being developed; offshore renewable energy is a driver Risk Assessment and adaptive management concepts should be applied. The siting process should reflect renewable energy benefits and costs of other sources; climate change. A Regional Approach: Many natural systems and marine resources are better understood on a regional scale; ocean management frameworks are moving in this direction Data Integration: consistent protocols for resource assessment and monitoring will build a more robust marine information data base and learning across projects.

Integrated Ocean Observation SystemIOOS : 

Integrated Ocean Observation SystemIOOS

Ocean Management Frameworks : 

Ocean Management Frameworks Northeast Regional Ocean Council (NROC) Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Oceans (MARCO)

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Key Activities That Will Advance U.S. Offshore Wind Initiating collaboration between government, universities, and developers to fund research in critical technology, policy, and environmental areas. Developing a web-based information clearinghouse for the U.S. offshore wind industry. Organizing states to consider issues of regional interest in offshore wind development. Coordinating efforts with industry to commission a robust economic analysis of future financing and infrastructure requirements. Convening U.S. and European counterparts to promote learning, information sharing and investment.

In Conclusion…. : 

In Conclusion…. “ We’ve Got to Get ORGANIZED!” Thank you…. Fara Courtney, USOWC fcourt@cove.com