Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia played host to GLWN's first offshore wind workshop last September as supply chain manufacturers interested in becoming players in the offshore wind industry gathered to listen to top representatives from the U.S. Department of Energy outline the possibilities and voice their concerns over this burgeoning renewable energy initiative.

Norfolk was selected as a preferred location for GLWN's offshore wind workshop because the eastern seaboard region has exhibited great potential for offshore wind opportunities and relevant manufacturing expertise, according to Patrick Fullenkamp, GLWN's Director of Technical Services and lead moderator for the event. To that end, Fullenkamp pointed to a National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) which estimates that Òoffshore wind will create more than 20 direct jobs for every megawatt produced in the United States."

The half-day workshop featured key representatives from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), including Dr. Allan R. Hoffman, Senior Analyst in the Office of Offshore Wind/Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, and Cash Fitzpatrick, DOE Energy Research and Development Engineer. They detailed the DOEÕs National Offshore Wind Strategy, the goals of which are to increase offshore wind energy to 10 gigawatts by 2020, and up to 50 gigawatts by 2030.

New additions to the DOE strategic portfolio include reducing the cost of energy produced by offshore wind turbines, developing technologies and reducing market barriers, according to the speakers. In doing so, the DOE is committed to a few overarching goals:

1. Publishing free baseline infrastructure (ex: ports, vessels) & supply chain data;
2. Quantifying needs by component and supplier sectors, as well as a proposed critical path to effective growth;
3. Leveraging lessons already learned abroad; and
4. Working with industry to make informed decisions.

The DOE representatives called offshore wind Òone of the most important emerging renewable energy technologies," and emphasized the potential for the industry in a domestic setting. "Given the U.S. resource base, our ability to innovate, and our broad and excellent manufacturing base, we can eventually play a major -- and even dominant role -- in offshore wind if we decide as a nation to do so," they concluded.

GLWN emphasized several lessons learned in Europe regarding offshore wind:

1. Manufacturers require heavy fabrication capabilities.
2. Large and heavy parts are best produced along the coast.
3. Parts transportation requires coastal manufacturing facilities.

   "The workshop educated local manufacturers and economic developers on offshore wind opportunities. GLWN was able to support the manufacturing industry in getting connected with potential purchasers, and will continue to do so," said Fullenkamp, who shared that attendees were able to see that real opportunities are forthcoming.

   "Now is the time to plan and do what you can economically to get ready for this opportunity," Patrick told attendees, adding that the projected start date for offshore manufacturing is 2016-2018.

   Additional offshore wind energy workshops conducted by GLWN are in the planning stages for the New England Coastal States, the Carolinas, Great Lakes States and the Mid-Atlantic region. Watch for future information as it's posted on the GLWN.org website and in upcoming member enewsletters.

WIND FACTS: Onshore vs. Offshore Wind Turbine Development

1. Size. The average onshore turbine generates 1.85 megawatts of power while the offshore turbine generates 3 megawatts, with the trend aiming upwards of 5 megawatts.
2. Foundation Types. Onshore foundations are created by digging a substantial hole and filling it with rebar and concrete. Offshore foundations can be monopile or tripod structures, both requiring significantly larger quantities of steel. A floating (gravity) structure is currently being tested.
3. Construction/Assembly. Onshore construction requires cranes mounted on land vehicles. Offshore construction requires water transport vessels and specialized installation vessels, known as a jack-up. Crew transport vessels are also required.