Advanced Energy Perspectives

Navigating the complexities of permitting for U.S. offshore wind projects requires strategic collaboration among diverse stakeholders. To avoid project delays, and to enable large-scale strategic approval processes to happen rapidly, a coordinated effort between the federal government, regulators, developers, and stakeholders is required.  

But, how can this be done? 

On April 2nd, I had the opportunity to moderate a webinar discussion hosted by Reuters exploring this very topic, specifically: how do we streamline decision-making and the permitting process to create a supportive ecosystem for offshore wind projects? I was joined by a group of all-star panelists each of whom is extremely knowledgeable and experienced in this space: Pilar Patterson of Ørsted (an Advanced Energy United member), Stephanie Wilson of Atlantic Shores, Jennifer Flood of Southcoast Wind, and Hollie Emery of the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management.

As a candidate, Governor Maura Healey pledged to achieve 100% clean electricity in Massachusetts by 2030. Such an ambitious target will require not only lots of clean energy generation to be built quickly and a doubling down of energy efficiency measures but will also require that the state support the building of a stronger, more dynamic electric grid. Creating the modern electric grid that Massachusetts needs to achieve its energy goals will require transformative investments on two fronts: the state needs to build new lines to move clean power like offshore wind throughout the Commonwealth, and it also needs to upgrade existing power lines with modern technologies. Nowhere is the more critical than at the transmission level. Advanced Energy United is working with decision-makers in New England to address these challenges with policy solutions.