Experts highlight vast potential of offshore wind to power America

A panel of experts discussed the potential of offshore wind to provide clean, reliable energy to millions of Americans on Tuesday. The webinar, organized by Environment America Research & Policy Center and the New England for Offshore Wind coalition, explained how, despite setbacks, historic progress is being made in the deployment of offshore wind. The panel identified the importance of tackling misinformation about offshore wind, and the role federal, state and city government can play in supporting the industry.

The webinar was organized to renew momentum behind offshore wind, with data showing the industry has not grown as quickly as it was expected to following the passing of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. Of particular concern is the spread of misinformation about offshore wind, often instigated and encouraged by fossil fuel interests. 

“Offshore wind is abundant, convenient and reliable,” said Johanna Neumann, senior director of the Campaign for 100% Renewable Energy at Environment America Research & Policy Center. “Every day we feel ocean winds whipping hair in our face.How much longer must we pay the price for burning dirty coal, oil or gas, rather than harnessing this natural energy source?” 

Cost increases, higher interest rates and supply chain issues have led in some cases to the cancellation of planned offshore wind projects. Opposition to proposed offshore wind projects driven by misinformation is an additional challenge to the industry’s development.

“Offshore wind represents a generational opportunity to supercharge the clean energy transition. But change requires that we bring others along with us, especially those who disagree, and make the case to our friends, neighbors, and elected officials,” said Alex Goldstein, founder and CEO of climate communications firm 90 West. “Clear, authentic messaging about what we are fighting for is just as important as articulating what we’re fighting against if we want to build the public support necessary to keep the clean energy transition moving forward.”

To reach President Joe Biden’s goals of 30GW of offshore wind installed by 2030 and 100% clean electricity by 2035, as well as state goals, will require rapid deployment of offshore wind, alongside other renewable energy sources, this decade. 

“Massachusetts has very ambitious climate goals. But if the pace of offshore wind development doesn’t rapidly increase, it will be hard to cut emissions in half by the end of the decade,” said Sabrina Shankman, climate reporter for the Boston Globe.

There are signs that offshore wind might be turning a corner. Vineyard Wind and Revolution Wind, currently under construction, will power more than 750,000 homes in New England by 2025. South Fork Wind Farm, also off the coast of New England, began operations in March 2024 as America’s first utility-scale offshore wind farm, powering 70,000 homes in New York. Pennsylvania lawmakers are considering legislation to unlock offshore wind potential in Lake Erie. On the Gulf Coast, a comment period regarding potential lease sales for offshore wind has concluded, and on the west coast, to meet its goal to power up to 5 million households with offshore wind by 2030, California lawmakers are considering directing $1b towards offshore wind. Last year, across the United States, orders for new wind turbines increased by 130%.

“Climate change is a big problem, and we need big ideas to solve it. Offshore wind energy fits the bill,” said Kelt Wilska, Offshore Wind Director, Environmental League of Massachusetts, and Regional Lead, New England for Offshore Wind. “Offshore wind represents incredible innovation and human ingenuity while standing as the single largest lever we can pull to reduce carbon emissions.”