US offshore wind industry leaders are confident a domestic supply chain for Tier 1 components will emerge to deliver hardware to east coast offshore wind farms in the near-to-medium term.
Developers of early projects will likely have to source a large amount of turbine components, transmission infrastructure and foundations from Europe, but competitive local options will emerge rapidly, according to RWE Renewables chief operating officer of EU and new markets Sven Utermohlen.
“It won’t happen in the next two years, but it is not going to take 10 years or more,” he said.
“Industry players will grab this opportunity and there are already plenty of discussions between US and European companies about building factories in the States,” he added.
Utermohlen was speaking during the opening panel discussion at Reuters Events and New Energy Update’s US Wind Virtual Conference on 18 June.
He said that in the future it is likely that the supply chain for major components will be spread across the different states on the eastern seaboard.
EDF Renewables and Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind managing director and president Chris Hart told virtual conference attendees to expect more US ports to start redevelopment work to support the sector in the coming months.
New Jersey this week unveiled it will start building a new offshore wind hub at Lower Alloways Creek in Salem County.
“New York is also very advanced in leaning into the ports question. Several local ports are engaged with developers to try and find the right solution,” he said.
GE Renewable Energy offshore wind business chief executive John Lavelle said annual growth in the US project pipeline will drive the development of new offshore wind factories and infrastructure.
“A transparent and sustainable volume year-on-year is needed to sustain markets. Year over year 100% utilisation is needed and that is what companies are going to look for,” he said.