Wind Power: A Window into Delaware’s Clean, Bright Future
Offshore wind offers an opportunity to bring about an era of 100% renewable energy and a greener, cleaner and more prosperous future.
Let’s Clear the Air on Climate Change and Offshore Wind
Climate change is a threat to humans and the natural world. Delaware and our warming planet are already facing sea level rise, flooding, heat waves and more intense storms.
But there is hope.
Impact of Wind Factsheet
Learn what wind can do for Delaware and our natural world.
Download the FactsheetWe can limit further global warming and the dangers it poses to humans and wildlife—if we act now. We must drastically cut greenhouse gas emissions and rapidly increase our use of clean energy.
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) supports the rapid and sustainable development of offshore wind projects that avoid potential impacts to habitat and species through the use of the best data available, mitigation strategies and engagement with key stakeholders.
Delaware Can Help Lead the Way
To reduce the impact of climate change, Delaware’s goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2050. We cannot meet the state emissions-reduction goal without offshore wind energy. It’s a proven, time-tested way to create energy, and the time to implement it is now.
In a recent Delaware survey:
-
77%
77% of respondents believe that the development of offshore wind power projects in Delaware should be encouraged or strongly encouraged.
-
64%
64% of respondents have a positive or very positive attitude toward offshore wind power.
-
Benefit
Respondents say the top three benefits of offshore wind are clean energy, job creation and cleaner air.
Offshore Wind Benefits the Environment
Clean energy can help safeguard our natural heritage. Delaware’s unique natural environments—the bays, tidal marshes, dunes and freshwater wetlands—are home to rare, threatened or endangered plant and animal life, including the globally recognized horseshoe crab and migrating red knot.
Climate change is a direct threat to their habitats.
Offshore wind investments can help reduce the severity of climate change by cutting greenhouse gas emissions, funding vital wildlife data collection and habitat restoration in coastal areas, and even enhancing marine life habitats through a nature-based design approach.
Clean Energy Benefits Clean Air
Clean energy is also better for public health. Air pollution, often caused by burning fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions, is a known trigger for asthma and respiratory diseases. Delaware and the nation would breathe easier with offshore wind and other clean energy build-outs.
An 800 MW offshore wind project in Delaware would reduce carbon emissions by 2.7 to 3.7 million tons during the lifetime of the project. (Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control 2023 Implementation Report).
Offshore Wind Benefits the Economy
-
Skilled Employment at Every Step
Developing offshore wind off the coast of Delaware will provide a full range of skilled jobs, from electricians, construction workers, design, manufacturing, installation and other technical skills. And the jobs won’t end when construction is done.
-
New Companies and Business Opportunities
Wind power doesn’t exist in a vacuum. An offshore project would become a key part of our industrial ecosystem—supporting and being supported by other sectors.
-
Energy Independence
Wind energy promises to reduce our reliance on imported fossil fuels and enhance national security.
-
Global Evidence
Implemented across the world, wind energy projects have become key global economic drivers.
-
Investments in Critical Coastal Infrastructure
Offshore wind projects can provide critical funding to benefit coastal community infrastructure.
Our Window of Opportunity is Now. Here's How to Take Action.
You can help bring cleaner energy to Delaware and protect our environment by staying informed.
Supporting Offshore Wind is as Easy as 1-2-3.
-
Stay informed
Check our LinkedIn page for updates. TNC Delaware LinkedIn Page.
-
Stay connected
Share our Impact of Wind Factsheet and your support of offshore wind with others. Impact of Wind Factsheet.
-
Speak up for the environment
Join other TNC volunteers in making your voice heard in Dover. To learn more, Emily Knearl, Delaware Director of Government Relations & External Affairs at Emily.Knearl@tnc.org. YOU can make a difference. Send an Email.
Contact Information
For questions or more information on offshore wind in Delaware, email Emily Knearl, TNC Delaware Director of Government Relations & External Affairs: Emily.Knearl@tnc.org.
Stay in Touch
Sign up to receive monthly e-mail conservation news & updates from Delaware.