Mainstream co-produces ‘go-to’ US Offshore Wind Handbook

Category

Leadership

Date

27 April 2022

Location

United States

Montage of pages from US Offshore Wind Handbook

Mainstream's project development experience and its engagement with policymakers has heavily informed the newly updated edition of the US Offshore Wind Handbook

Mainstream Renewable Power, in partnership with energy services business Kent and corporate law firm K&L Gates LLP, has released an updated US Offshore Wind Handbook to help guide investors and new market entrants through technical and regulatory issues in this rapidly developing market.

The 115-page publication – launched at the International Offshore Wind Partnering Forum (IPF) in Atlantic City, New Jersey, the sector’s premiere conference in North America – reviews the current progress of offshore wind in the United States and some of the challenges being faced.

 

The US offshore wind market has evolved at unprecedented pace over the last year, with extensive updates in policy and regulatory environment, and several states entering or strengthening their commitment to the industry, including pathways to auctions.

The handbook includes updates to reflect technology developments like floating wind, and new market drivers such as the post-COP 26 urgency for climate actions and the current energy security crisis.

Regulatory issues include updated discussions of the interplay between US federal jurisdiction and the various coastal states that have enacted laws and regulations encouraging and enhancing the development of offshore wind projects.

The examination of technical challenges covers permitting priorities, turbine and foundation options and solutions, supply chain constraints, performance assurance strategies, and updates on innovations in design, delivery, and installation specific to US coastal waters.

IT IS A GO-TO RESOURCE FOR ANYONE WANTING TO OR WORKING IN OFFSHORE WIND

Liz Burdock

President and CEO of Business Network for Offshore Wind

Liz Burdock, President and CEO of the Business Network for Offshore Wind, the national industry voice in the United States, highlighted the value of the updated handbook. She said: “Mainstream, Kent and K&L Gates’ Offshore Wind Handbook is a succinct resource for those looking to gain a baseline understanding of the policy landscape, market development, and supply chain in the US offshore wind industry. It is a go-to resource for anyone wanting to or working in offshore wind.”

Mainstream’s Head of Offshore Strategy and New Markets Offshore, Úna Brosnan, added: “The US offshore wind industry has undergone rapid growth and change over the past year. As a global renewable energy developer, Mainstream is delighted to be part of this growth and to bring our experience in more advanced offshore markets to the US.

“The 2022 Offshore Wind Handbook reflects Mainstream, Kent and K&L Gates’ collective development, technical and regulatory expertise, and is designed to support the continued growth of the US offshore market. We believe that knowledge-sharing will play a key role in the success of offshore wind and are very proud to be launching the updated handbook at IPF this week.”

Andy Malpas, US Offshore Wind Market Lead at Kent, also expressed delight at being able to launch the handbook “on such a prestigious stage”. He said: “The industry is at an exciting phase, and we are confident that the handbook will prove to be a go-to tool for the industry and the new entrants in the market.

“It’s been a pleasure to collaborate with K&L Gates and Mainstream Renewable Power for their guidance and input on this ground-breaking guide to review the current progress in the US offshore wind market.”

  • The US Offshore Wind Handbook can also be viewed as a digital edition on flipsnack.

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