Vol. 37
June 2023
Offshore Wind Progress Creates Opportunity for Hampton Roads Businesses, Advocate Says
As the heart of the mid-Atlantic, Hampton Roads has key advantages for establishing offshore wind as a major sector, an economic development official said. U.S. offshore wind represents a $109 billion revenue opportunity for businesses in the supply chain over the next decade, according to a 2021 report by the Special Initiative on Offshore Wind.

“We really have a generational opportunity to grow the economy of Virginia,” Matt Smith, the Director of Energy and Water Technology for Hampton Roads Alliance, said about that opportunity.
Offshore Wind is Building Momentum in Virginia Beach
Offshore wind projects are taking shape along the US East Coast. Some are newly identified areas for future development, others are in the permitting phase, and a few are already under construction. Businesses that operate out of Virginia Beach are strategically positioned to reach all US East Coast offshore wind projects. As a result, the city is rapidly gaining traction with offshore wind players.
Bill Seeks GAO Study to Inform Investment in U.S. Offshore Wind
Introduced by Congressman Bobby Scott, who represents the third district of Virginia, the American Offshore Wind Opportunity Act would require the GAO to conduct a study of shipbuilding and workforce training needed to support the Biden administration’s goal of 30 GW of offshore wind by 2030. The study would also identify ways that current policies could be strengthened to support American workers.
Design Competition Gets Gears Turning for Virginia Student’s Offshore Wind Career
It has been quite a whirlwind month for Lindsey Greer. Just as her team from Virginia’s Smithfield High School was snagging an award at the 8th annual National KidWind Challenge, the 17-year-old senior found out she had won a $5,000 college scholarship from the Business Network for Offshore Wind.
Some Push Back on Plan to Bring Wind Energy Cables Ashore at Sandbridge While Others Say it’s Needed to Protect the Beach
A plan to bring high voltage cables ashore at Sandbridge as part of a new wind energy farm is being opposed by a group of residents living in and around the beachfront community, while others argue it should be embraced.
Offshore Wind News and Policy: Tracking the Latest U.S. Developments
More than 17 GW of offshore wind capacity is under construction in the Atlantic Ocean. Lease sales are expanding the industry to new waters as it works to meet federal and state goals.
Intelligence Report Suggests U.S. Offshore Wind is Gaining Momentum
Clarksons Research (London, U.K.), a data and intelligence company for shipping, trade, offshore and the maritime energy transition, has released a new report on its Renewables Intelligence Network platform. This report profiles the offshore wind sector in the U.S., including a capacity forecast out to 2030, analysis of the fleet of vessels set to serve the growing U.S. sector and coverage of recent federal government policies.
Brunvoll to Provide Propulsion Package for Crest Wind SOV
The vessel was designed by HAV Design and will be built by Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding in the US. Once completed, the SOV will operate on the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project on the US east coast. Crowley will manage and crew the SOV. Esvagt will support Crowley with design, construction, crew training and operation services as part of the Crest Wind joint venture.
WINDSday Newsletter
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