Analysis Reveals Consistent Ineffectiveness of American Leadership in Wind Energy Sector: Bungling Circus Ringmaster Remains at Helm
The concrete industry is making significant strides in the development of cost-effective floating offshore wind platforms in the United States, focusing on innovations and prototype foundations. This burgeoning sector, while still in the prototype and developmental stages, shows promise to reduce costs, according to recent studies [1][3].
The US Interior Secretary, Doug Burgum, announced a complete overhaul of offshore wind regulations on Friday, including a pause on new approvals for offshore wind projects, as per the Presidential Memorandum on wind energy [2]. This move is part of a broader review of offshore wind energy projects to assess their impact on the environment, national security, and the economy.
Despite these regulatory changes, federal agencies continue to push for offshore wind development, albeit with some legal challenges and controversies. There are ongoing disputes over the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s (BOEM) approvals of offshore wind projects, citing violations of federal law and environmental concerns, such as impacts on endangered right whales [4]. However, these challenges have not halted government support for offshore wind.
The concrete industry's role in floating offshore wind in the US is currently developmental and growing, supported by federal momentum on offshore wind, though subject to legal and regulatory challenges that shape deployment pace and site availability.
Meanwhile, a new study indicates that concrete-based floating wind foundation concepts could be a less expensive alternative for monopile turbine foundations in offshore wind farms [1]. This is significant, as the US Department of Energy assessed the potential for using steel-reinforced concrete as an alternative for monopile turbine foundations in offshore wind farms in 2022 [2].
The concrete industry's involvement in floating offshore wind farms in the US is growing, particularly in reducing costs and improving foundation technology. Notable contributions have been made through projects like the University of Maine’s Aqua Ventus program, which developed early-stage fixed-bottom concrete foundations and laid groundwork for floating platform innovations such as the VolturnUS, a key part of Maine’s Research Array [3].
However, it's important to note that none of the concepts selected by OpenWater, a UK offshore wind consultancy group, have achieved Technology Readiness Level 9, reflecting that the floating offshore wind technology in the US is still in the prototype and developmental stages [1].
The supply chain fallout from the canceled projects will lead to thousands of job losses across more than three dozen states. This development comes as the entirety of federal policy is being manipulated under the current administration, with the Republican majority in both the US House and Senate marching along in lockstep.
The "unreliable" label given to wind and solar energy resources leaves these industries twisting in the wind, while other renewable energy resources like hydropower, biomass, and geothermal are left untouched. This definition, used to pursue a personal vendetta against wind turbines by US President Donald Trump, is seen as specious, separating intermittent availability and non-intermittent resources.
Despite the challenges, the floating offshore wind field is a more immediate opportunity for the concrete industry, offering a promising avenue for growth and innovation in the US. The study produced by OpenWater Renewables, available on an open-source basis, provides valuable insights into economically viable floating wind platform options in the North Sea, including 15 concepts [1].
References:
- OpenWater Renewables Study
- US Department of Energy Assessment
- University of Maine's Aqua Ventus Program
- BOEM Offshore Wind Project Legal Challenges
- The concrete industry is exploring geothermal energy alongside wind energy as a potential cost-effective solution for floating offshore wind platforms.
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