The U.S. Energy Department (DOE) and U.S. Interior Department (DOI) have collaborated to release “An Action Plan for Offshore Wind Transmission Development in the U.S. Atlantic Region.” This comprehensive plan aims to accelerate the development of offshore wind energy, strengthen the domestic supply chain, and create high-paying union jobs.
The Action Plan, developed by the DOE’s Grid Deployment and Wind Energy Technologies Offices, as well as DOI’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), outlines both immediate and long-term actions to connect the first wave of Atlantic offshore wind projects to the electric grid. By coordinating planning efforts, project timelines can be expedited, costs can be reduced, and grid reliability and resilience can be enhanced.
In addition to the Action Plan, the DOE has launched the “Tribal Nation Technical Assistance Program for Offshore Wind Transmission,” which provides education and training resources to support tribal engagement in offshore wind planning. This program was established in direct response to tribal input and will contribute to equitable and sustainable offshore wind energy development, domestic manufacturing, and grid integration.
These efforts align with President Biden’s goal of deploying 30 GW of offshore wind in the U.S. by 2030, with a pathway to 110 GW or more by 2050. The administration’s focus on creating American-made products in American factories with American workers has attracted over $500 billion in private sector investments, including significant investments in the offshore wind industry. Since taking office, numerous offshore wind shipbuilding projects and manufacturing facilities have been announced, along with billions of dollars in investments and thousands of new jobs.
The Action Plan was informed by the Atlantic Offshore Wind Transmission Study, as well as input from subject matter experts, decision makers, tribal nations, state governments, and regional transmission operators. Several of the Plan’s recommendations, such as the formation of an Offshore Wind Transmission State Collaborative, have already been implemented by DOE and Atlantic states.
Overall, this Action Plan and the accompanying programs will play a vital role in harnessing the wind resources off the Atlantic Coast, delivering clean and reliable power to communities, and driving the growth of the offshore wind industry in the United States.
Sources:
– U.S. Energy Department (DOE)
– U.S. Interior Department (DOI)