This week’s Livestream will tackle federal permitting challenges to the offshore wind industry, discuss the future of the U.S. electric transmission grid, submarine cable installation, and more
For Immediate Release: July 22, 2020
Media Contact: Melinda Skea | [email protected] | 410-779-1362
Baltimore – The Oceantic Network’s 2020 International Partnering Forum (IPF) will host IPF Livestream: Grid & Transmission this Thursday, July 23 starting at 8:55 a.m. EST. IPF is the platform for special industry announcements and global offshore wind breaking news — this Livestream will be no exception.
The half-day series will begin with broad insights from Anbaric, IBEW, and EEI, on how investments in the electric transmission grid to replace aging facilities, modernize technologies, and expand and integrate renewable energy such as offshore wind can be a major economic driver. Then a panel discussion with industry representatives will discuss submarine cable installation and how well predictions match real environmental effects. Join BOEM, Gray and Pape, AKRF, and Sive, Pagat & Riesel to explore U.S. federal permitting challenges — from marine resources to underwater noise — facing the development of offshore wind in the states. The day will wrap up with a Developer Town Hall featuring Atlantic Shores, who will update participants on the Shell New Energies US LLC and EDF Renewables North America joint-venture, Ocean Wind, off the coast of New Jersey.
The Livestream series, taking place June through August, is a collection of events featuring high-level industry CEOs, experts, and public officials discussing market challenges, regional cooperation, innovation, grid transmission, the future of U.S. offshore wind and more. The series will also feature offshore wind updates from coastal states representatives including New Jersey Gov. Murphy and Virginia Gov, Northam, and networking events like WindMatch™ one-on-one networking, CareerMatch™ virtual job fair, and an exhibit hall.
IPF Livestream
Presented by the Oceantic Network
IPF Livestream: Grid & Transmission Schedule
Welcome & Introduction
8:55 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. EST
The Grid as a Driver of Jobs, Economic Development and Cost Savings
9:00 a.m. – 9:55 a.m. EST
Investment in the electric transmission grid to replace aging facilities, modernize technologies, and expand and integrate renewable energy such as offshore wind can be a major economic driver. One study forecasts an increase in transmission investment from $7-10 billion/year in the 2020s to as much as $40 billion/year between 2030 and 2050 to satisfy new electric loads and to accommodate the changing generation mix. For every $1billion in investment,13,000 new jobs are created. Another study suggests that a planned transmission approach can save $1.1B in the New England region alone. What are the barriers and how do we overcome them to kick starting a focus on the grid? This panel originally took place at the WIRES Conference in September, our panelists will give an update and share their perspectives on how offshore wind fits into this important discussion.
Submarine Cable Installation: How Well Do Predictions Match Real Environmental Effects
10:10 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. EST
Submarine cables for offshore wind projects provide an opening for state regulatory involvement. Jet plow technology is viewed as a relatively low impact installation method; however, many state regulators are unfamiliar with it and there is a lack of hard data for them to draw upon. This session will provide details of a significant case study which includes modeling, permitting hurdles, and an extensive water quality monitoring program. The solid evidence provided will help reduce future regulatory difficulties.
Federal Permitting Challenges Facing the Development of Offshore Wind in the U.S.
11:20 a.m. – 12:10 p.m. EST
Gain legal insight and an appreciation for the responsibilities that the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is tasked with when it comes to administering the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) relative to offshore wind development. NEPA practitioners, technical experts, legal counsel, and BOEM staff will exam and provide guidance to navigate pertinent NEPA topics such as marine resources (fish, sea turtles, and marine mammals), underwater noise, cultural and historic resources, and air quality.
Developer Town Hall with Atlantic Shores
12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. EST
The Developer Town Hall provides an opportunity for IPF attendees to hear directly from offshore wind developers about the status and progress of U.S. projects. Jennifer Daniels, Atlantic Shores Development Director, will provide an update the Shell New Energies US LLC and EDF Renewables North America joint-venture, Ocean Wind, off the coast of New Jersey. Audience questions are encouraged.
Full schedule available here
For press credentials, contact Melinda Skea at [email protected].
For more information, to request a press pass, or to arrange an interview, contact Melinda Skea at [email protected] or 410-779-1362.
Additional information:
- 2020 IPF website
- IPF Media Kit for press use (Credit: Oceantic Network)
The Oceantic Network is the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to establishing a robust offshore wind supply chain in the U.S. It advances the industry forward through education, facilitating partnerships, and events, including the International Offshore Wind Partnership Forum, the largest offshore wind conference in America. Learn more at oceantic.org.
