Browsing by Subject "Offshore Wind"

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    A Geospatial Analysis of Species of Interest in US Atlantic Wind Energy Areas
    (2023-04-28) O'Brien, Bryce R
    Although the rapid development of offshore wind energy inspires hope for a low-carbon electric grid, this climate solution may simultaneously threaten marine wildlife and ecosystems in ways that are not fully understood. In this study, I conduct a geospatial analysis of species of interest to support the DoE and BOEM funded Wildlife and Offshore Wind (WOW) project: a consortium of experts led by Duke University seeking to better understand the potential impacts of offshore wind development on marine wildlife. This analysis utilizes models from the following cetacean and seabird species, all of which have been identified by Project WOW members as species representative of at-risk marine wildlife: The Fin whale, Common minke whale, Humpback whale, North Atlantic right whale, Red-throated loon, Northern gannet and Great black-backed gull. By mapping the seasonal distribution of these species, this study provides insight into when, where, and how much spatial overlap exists between these species of interest and offshore wind areas in the US Atlantic. Results from this study also shed light onto the representativeness of offshore wind areas with respect to marine wildlife abundance, helping inform future offshore wind energy research planning and development.
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    Innovation in the Blue Economy: Opportunities in Shipping, Aquaculture, and Offshore Wind for Climate Change Mitigation
    (2021-04-30) Riddick, Sage; Swanson, Megan; Snodgrass, Lisa
    As the world’s population continues to grow, increasing pressure will be placed on the ocean’s valuable resources. By 2030, nearly two-thirds of the fish on our plates will be farmed at sea; by 2040, global offshore wind capacity is projected to increase fifteen-fold; and by 2050, seaborne trade will have nearly quadrupled. An aspiration to balance sustainable economic growth, improved living standards, and ecosystem conservation has given rise to the term “blue economy” and an increased interest in the emerging bluetech area. We conducted semi-structured interviews with leaders in bluetech and experts in the shipping, aquaculture, and offshore wind industries. We identified the main risks that climate change poses to these industries and analyzed current and future opportunities in technology and innovation to decarbonize these industries. From this analysis, we developed the following takeaways: 1) Cross-sector partnerships allow companies to capitalize on advancements made in each individual industry, and should be pursued; 2) Digitization is a key element of improving efficiencies within all three sectors, and companies should look to bluetech hubs for promising digital innovations; 3) Utilizing economies of scale can drive down costs and reduce emissions; 4) All three sectors recognize that they have a role in increasing social equity and inclusion but so far have been slow to act toward that goal.
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    Unlocking Offshore Wind Energy in the United States: Applying Lessons Learned from the United Kingdom and Denmark
    (2016-04-17) Haley, Andrew
    In February 2011, the United States Department of Energy released a National Offshore Wind Strategy that set a goal of 54GW of energy generated from offshore wind projects by 2030. (DOE, 2011). Five years later, there are still no operational offshore wind installations in the United States. President Obama hosted the Summit on Offshore Wind in September, 2015 and directed the Bureau of Offshore Energy Management to establish an International Offshore Wind Regulators Forum with European Regulators. Both the United Kingdom and Denmark have become leaders in offshore wind energy, generating approximately 4,500MW and 1,300MW respectively (EWEA, 2015). This study analyzes and evaluates the permitting policies of the United States, United Kingdom, and Denmark to identify recommended changes to the U.S. policies for permitting offshore wind installations.