This 2020 Summit examines how coastal states – with a particular focus on the Eastern Seaboard – can promote the build-out of offshore wind as a source of affordable, clean and reliable energy that will incentivize billions of dollars in investments throughout the supply chain.
Virtual Event: September 25, 30 and October 7, 2020
Background
This event builds on two previous ones: the governors’ energy policy advisor workshop at the Danish Embassy in June 2018 and the Global Energy Solutions Summit that the Danish Embassy and the NGA held together with the Australian and Canadian Embassies in Washington, DC, in March 2019.
This 2020 Summit will further examine how coastal states – with a particular focus on the Eastern Seaboard – can promote the build-out of offshore wind as a source of affordable, clean and reliable energy that will incentivize billions of dollars in investments throughout the supply chain. This build-out is already well under way with state offtake agreements completed, in development, or planned for 29.2 GW of projects.
The overall aim of the Summit is to address some of the key challenges facing the US offshore wind sector. Dealing with these overarching challenges can release the vast potential for offshore wind to deliver electricity at cost-competitive prices, while maximizing the number of well-paying jobs across states investing in the sector. Drawing on experience from Europe and the US, this event will explore ways to help states enhance their existing offshore wind efforts and unlock additional opportunities.
For the industry to reach its full potential, there is a need for states to come together, share experiences and discuss common solutions to the key issues involved in the development of this nascent sector. This includes stakeholder engagement, coordination with other marine users, infrastructure build-out and electricity market structures.
Expected Outcomes
To distill lessons learned to date about practical solutions from Europe and US states to achieve successful deployment.
To gain a better understanding of how governors individually and collectively can address key issues relevant to their development plans, including:
- o Stakeholder engagement: fisheries, shipping, environmental NGOs
- o Related infrastructure and, notably, ports
- o Interstate transmission and electricity markets
Discussions on how states might best cooperate to address these issues to unlock regional and local benefits.
Agenda
Day 1 – September 25
Introduction & Stakeholder Engagement
Introductory remarks by the organizers & summit moderator
Welcome Remarks
- Tim Blute, Director – NGA Center for Best Practices
Introduction to the Day: Offshore Wind Update
- Thomas Brostrøm, CEO – Ørsted North America, Offshore
BOEM: Federal Lease Sales & Permitting Process + Q&A
- Walter Cruickshank, Deputy Director & Acting Director – BOEM
Panel discussion: Stakeholder Engagement
- Moderator: Julia Bovey, Director of External Affairs – Equinor
- James Boyd, Coastal Policy Analyst – Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council
- Catherine Bowes, Program Director – Offshore Wind Energy. National Wildlife Federation
- Lyndie Hice-Dunton, Executive Director – Responsible Offshore Science Alliance
Moderated breakout discussions on stakeholder engagement
Day 1 Wrap up – Implications for states
Why Offshore Wind?
Day 2 – September 30
Ports and Infrastructure
Welcome & Introductory remarks
- Stefan Pryor, Secretary of Commerce – State of Rhode Island
Introduction to the Day: US Ports & Infrastructure – Issues & Options
- Martin Hansen, Head of Construction Offshore US – Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy
Panel discussion: Ports and Infrastructure
- Moderator: Jay Borkland, Senior Engineering Manager – Lloyd’s Register Energy Americas Inc.
- Doreen Harris, Acting President and CEO – NYSERDA
- Brian Sabina, VP of Economic Transformation – New Jersey Economic Development
- Scott Viciana, VP Business Development – Ventower Industries
- Sidney Florey, President – DEME Offshore US
Moderated breakout discussions on ports and infrastructure
Project Update: Establishing an Offshore Wind Market – The Role of Infrastructure and Federal Policy (Watch)
- Bob Blue, EVP, Co-Chief Operating Officer, President- Dominion Energy
Day 2 Wrap up – Implications for states?
Day 3 – October 7 (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
Electricity Market Structure and Transmission Grids
Introductory remarks
Lessons from the EU Offshore Wind Sector
- Ivan Pineda, Director for Public Affairs – Wind Europe
Industry Presentation: US Market Structure & Grids – Issues and Options
- Kirsty Townsend, Director Head of Special Projects – Ørsted
Panel discussion: Electricity Market Structure & Transmission Grids
- Moderator: Rob Gramlich, President – Grid Strategies
- Judy Chang, Undersecretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs – Massachusetts
- Mary Beth Tung, Director – Maryland Energy Administration
- Al McBride, Director of Transmission Strategy and Services – ISO New England
Moderated breakout discussions on Electricity Markets Structure & Transmission Grids
Day 3 Wrap up – Implications for States & Next Steps?
