The US states of Virginia, Maryland and Massachusetts and developers EnBW North America and Vineyard Wind have joined the National Offshore Wind Research and Development Consortium.
The consortium, which has existing membership including the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and the US Department of Energy, is working to accelerate development and innovation in the US offshore wind industry.
Clean energy transmission company Anbaric Development Partners has also become a member of the group.
The consortium released a roadmap last year outlining the priorities for developing the offshore wind industry in the US built on three pillars of research: advancing plant technology, resource and characterisation and operational and supply chain technology solutions.
The consortium plans to offer a series of competitive solicitations over the next four years based on the research and development priorities identified in the roadmap.
The first will be launched in February with awards expected in March.
National Offshore Wind Research and Development Consortium board chairman Robert Catell said: “It’s a pleasure to welcome Virginia, Maryland, and Massachusetts, joining New York in the leadership of the consortium and the development of offshore wind energy in the US.
“It’s also very exciting to welcome new Board members Vineyard Wind, EnBW North America, and Anbaric.
“Participation of public and private stakeholders such as these will contribute greatly to growing partnerships which will support this important industry and ensure that we will meet our renewable energy goals.”
Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy director John Warren said the state is “honoured to serve the consortium in advancing US offshore wind”.
The Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy has the US’s only research lease in federal waters and “activities enabled by the consortium represent an exciting opportunity to put this valuable resource to work”, he said.
“Virginia also offers expertise and a deep history in marine-based research and development and looks forward to its role in helping implement consortium strategies,” Warren added.
Massachusetts Clean Energy Center chief executive Stephen Pike said: “The National Offshore Wind Research and Development Consortium is positioned to accelerate the development of offshore wind in the US.
“Offshore wind represents a rare opportunity to build a new industry in the US, create thousands of jobs and secure a significant source of reliable, clean and cost-effective energy, and we look forward to collaborating with our consortium partners to help the industry meet its full potential in the American market.”
Maryland Energy Administration director Mary Beth Tung said: “In the past, offshore wind has been an expensive source of clean energy, yet there are significant opportunities to lower the cost of the technology such as expanding local supply chains, advancing the market pipeline, and supporting research opportunities for innovative technologies and best practices.
“Both NYSERDA and the consortium have addressed several avenues to reduce the cost of offshore wind energy and advance innovations to local supply chains. We look forward to joining this effort.”
EnBW North America managing director Bill White said: “With the tremendous leadership from states in the ortheast, including Governor Cuomo’s game-changing 9GW commitment this month, offshore wind is poised to become a significant and affordable resource to help avert the most damaging effects of climate change.
“We are honoured to join the consortium to help chart the R&D agenda for this vital clean energy resource.”
Vineyard Wind chief executive Lars Thaaning Pedersen said: “As the developer of the first large-scale offshore wind project in the US, Vineyard Wind recognises the enormous potential of offshore wind as both a major source of clean energy for coastal states as well as a powerful driver of economic development and job creation across the country.
“Effective research and development guided by industry stakeholders is key to unlocking that potential, and we are excited to join the National Offshore Wind Research and Development Consortium to support the National Offshore Wind Strategy and advance research and development activities that reduce the cost and risk of developing offshore wind projects throughout the US.”
Other consortium members include the Advanced Energy Research and Technology Center at New York State University, The Carbon Trust International, National Grid, Renewables Consulting Group, US National Laboratories, Avangrid Renewables, EDF Renewable Energy, EDP Renewables, Equinor, Innogy, Northland Power, Orsted and Shell.