CRES Forum hosted a briefing last week with keynote remarks from Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-Va.) and industry experts, who discussed what Congress can do to help strengthen U.S. offshore wind as developers navigate various setbacks.
The event was kicked off by Rep. Jen Kiggans, a Conservative Climate Caucus Vice Chair, CRES Clean Energy Champion and Vice Chair of the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries Subcommittee. In her remarks, Rep. Kiggans stressed the importance of offshore wind investments, which create jobs and grow the economy in her district.
Attendees also heard from industry voices during a panel on the challenges and opportunities to expand offshore energy production. Panelists included Daniel Runyan of Invenergy, Matt Giacona of National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA), Catherine Bowes of Turn Forward, Emmanuel Martin-Lauzer of Nexans High Voltage USA and Seth Kaplan of Ocean Winds.
Offshore wind has the potential to provide up to 25 percent of the nation’s electricity demand by 2050, according to the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory. However, the emerging industry faces several obstacles to deployment.
The panelists highlighted the challenges facing offshore wind, including overregulation and supply chain disruptions, as well as the role offshore wind can play in an all-of-the-above energy portfolio.
CRES Forum was glad to bring these voices together to discuss how Congress and industry can work together to provide Americans with more reliable, affordable and clean energy.
To read about a recent win in this industry, check out this blog on Dominion Energy’s Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project HERE.