Why is the United States trailing behind in the offshore wind race?
China is currently leading the pack with nearly 25 GW installed, while the US is just getting started.
But don't be fooled, the US has the brains and the brawn to make a comeback in this field.
States like New York and Massachusetts have set ambitious goals for offshore wind development, and the federal government has set a goal to deploy 30 GW in offshore wind by 2030.
So, what's been holding them back?
Well, for starters, offshore wind projects are a bit of a pricey endeavour.
They're more expensive to develop and maintain in comparison to onshore wind projects due to the difficulties of working in the marine environment.
Plus, the technology is still relatively new, and there's limited experience in the US with installing and operating large-scale offshore wind farms.
And let's not forget about the lack of transmission infrastructure to transmit all that electricity to the population centres.
But it's not just the practicalities holding them back.
The permitting process for offshore wind projects is a complex and time-consuming process, involving multiple federal and state agencies.
Which leads us nicely into the last point…Politics.
The previous administration had a pretty negative view towards offshore wind, rolling back regulations and delaying several projects.
But the current administration has had a more positive view and has created initiatives to support the development of offshore wind.
In conclusion, the US may be lagging behind in the offshore wind race, but with ambitious goals, support from the government and the right mindset, The US have the potential to become a leading player in the industry.
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