US economic development group Hampton Roads Alliance has commissioned an offshore wind supply chain study for the Hampton Roads area in Virginia.
The assessment will be used to” build out” the US offshore wind industry in Hampton Roads and identify key opportunities for economic expansion.
Hampton Roads Alliance has partnered with Xodus Group and BW Research to conduct the study.
The partnership will deliver an in-depth offshore wind supply chain assessment and gap analysis for the Hampton Roads metropolitan area and wider southern Virginia.
The study will be based upon the requirements of both offshore wind developers and tier one suppliers as well as gauge the capabilities of local companies to become key suppliers to the industry, the alliance said.
The offshore wind supply chain assessment entails scoring the supply chain requirements, identifying and assessing key sectors, and analysing the strengths and limitations of Hampton Roads.
It will lead to a set of recommendations for a measurable, strategically focused offshore wind development plan based on available strengths and market forces, including roads for potential investment.
Xodus senior consultant Jeff Tingley said: “The size of the US offshore wind market creates a need for the development of an entire new US industry, and Hampton Roads will play a major role in its development.
“This work aims to help both the industry and Hampton Roads improve efficiency and reduce costs as the scale of development grows, while helping local communities further realise the economic benefits associated with offshore wind.
“With an aggressive strategy to ramp up offshore wind activity, this is a fantastic opportunity to create a sustainable local supply chain which can deliver a responsible energy future.”
The project will be led from Xodus’ Boston office, with input from its Scotland team.
The Hampton Roads Alliance is the leading regional economic development organisation for the Hampton Roads region of Virginia.
Virginia is home to the first offshore wind project ever in federal waters.
Two large-scale offshore wind farms are being developed off Virginia, including the 2.6GW Coastal Virginia offshore wind project, being developed by Dominion Energy and Avangrid Renewables’ 2.5MW Kitty Hawk project.
Hampton Roads Alliance CEO Doug Smith said: “With development of these two projects, Virginia is now on a trajectory to lead offshore wind development in the US.
“The Commonwealth is also a natural fit to become a supply chain hub for the offshore wind industry with our best-in-class port infrastructure, a centrally located and capable workforce, and a supportive business and regulatory climate.
“The Alliance’s dedicated offshore wind supply chain development initiative is leveraging these projects to grow the regional economy and position Virginia as a leader in the sustainable energy industry.”