Offshore wind energy is gaining significant momentum in the United States. Although it is unclear whether the US will reach its 2030 target of 30GW in offshore wind, several developers are working on making this possible. In this article, we will introduce the developers of the three largest offshore wind farms in the United States. We’ll provide you with an overview of the developers as well as key details about their impressive wind projects.
1) Virginia-based Dominion Energy: 2.64GW Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind
The first developer on this list is Dominion Energy. Based in Richmond, Virginia, the American energy company operates across the United States. The company is developing the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project, which can produce 2,640 MW of renewable energy. It is located 25 to 35 nautical miles east of Cape Henry, Virginia, in the Atlantic Ocean. This project is a large step in using wind energy to power the region. Dominion Energy expects to complete the wind farm by 2026.
2) London-based Shell New Energies & Paris-based EDF Renewables: 1.51GW Atlantic Shores
The next project is developed in a partnership between Shell New Energies and EDF Renewables. Founded in 2001, Shell New Energies US LLC is a subsidiary of the London-based multinational oil and gas company Shell plc. It focuses on alternative energy sources, including renewable energy. Founded in 1990, EDF Renewables is headquartered in Paris, France. The company is a subsidiary of EDF Group and specialises in renewable energy production. As an integrated operator, it develops, finances, and manages the construction and operations of renewable energy facilities for both its own use and third parties. Together, the two companies bring in both their expertise to develop one of the largest offshore wind projects to date. Atlantic Shores will be capable of generating 1,510 MW of renewable energy. Positioned off the coast of New Jersey, situated 13 to 15 miles east of Atlantic City, it supports the state’s renewable energy objectives. The project developers are planning for the project to become operational by 2028.
3) Norway-based Equinor Wind: 1.23GW Beacon Wind 1
The third developer on our list is Equinor Wind US LLC, a subsidiary of Equinor. Based in Stavenger, Norway, the company develops offshore wind, hydrogen and solar projects. The US are a core country in Equinor Wind’s international portfolio. Its commitment to advancing renewable energy in the United States is mirrored in this project. Beacon Wind 1 will be a big player in offshore wind: It will generate 1,230 MW of clean energy when completed. It is located 20 miles southwest of Nantucket, MA, and 60 miles east of Montauk Point, NY, tapping into Atlantic Ocean winds. Equinor is expecting it to become operational in 2028.
Image: Alexander Mils via Unsplash (25.03.2024)
