Offshore wind can help meet U.S. energy needs, reduce carbon pollution and improve ocean habitats.
Offshore wind is a renewable energy technology that will be critical to contributing to the clean energy transition in the United States. This is especially true along the Atlantic coast where there is great potential for wind energy due to the consistent wind speeds.
If thoughtfully planned and sited, the materials used on the ocean floor to support of the offshore wind structures can create new habitats for the plants and animals. Offshore wind energy development can also provide good jobs and support the health and wellness of regional communities through the reduction in carbon pollution and other harmful pollutants. That is why The Nature Conservancy is committed to supporting offshore wind projects and policies that can help advance our climate, conservation and community goals.
The U.S. has set a target of deploying 30 gigawatts of offshore wind electricity generation by 2030—enough to power more than 10 million American homes with clean energy. Given the need for this rapid infrastructure expansion, TNC uses the best available science to help reach this goal in a way that benefits communities while avoiding and minimizing impacts on marine plants, animals and the oceans they depend on.
Quote: Tricia K. Jedele
Developing offshore wind is a 21st century conservation strategy. Pairing the reduction of planet warming emissions with thoughtful and innovative offshore wind development can help marine and coastal life flourish and bring new opportunities to communities.
Offshore Wind in Action
Explore how TNC accelerates offshore wind development in North America.
Science
TNC uses the best available science to advance offshore wind in a way that maximizes benefits and minimizes harm to nature and people. Our research centers around how marine animals interact with wind turbines and underwater structures and how offshore wind can benefit local communities. We offer tools and recommendations that help federal and state agencies make decisions about developing offshore wind energy.
Learn about TNC’s study on using wind turbines to create underwater reef habitats.
Read about our research on fish movement and offshore wind energy construction.
Explore our Marine Mapping Tool, which assesses marine life and habitats to support offshore wind environmental impact assessments.
Policy
We work at the federal and state levels to advance policies that accelerate offshore wind while benefiting communities and conservation. Our work focuses on building considerations for nature into project siting and design, advising on the best available science to support decisions, and improving transmission to make sure the energy can get to where it is needed. We convene and collaborate with marine scientists and legal and policy experts to develop offshore wind approaches that will have a net positive impact on biodiversity.
Communities
Advancing clean energy offers an opportunity to promote a fair and just transition for workers, consumers and communities. This is especially important as we transition to a clean energy economy. Not only can we make sure that historically excluded and potentially impacted communities are meaningfully engaged in offshore wind siting decisions, but we can also work to make sure that all communities fully understand the opportunities and benefits that are possible from offshore wind energy.
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