IPF Virtual takes place May 13 and will focus on the offshore wind energy developments in the first 100 days of the Biden administration and what to expect in the year to come
For Immediate Release: May 11, 2021
Media Contact: Melinda Skea | [email protected] | 202-709-9793
BALTIMORE – The Oceantic Network’s 2021 International Partnering Forum (IPF) will hold its second of three IPF Virtual events on May 13 focused on offshore wind developments in the first 100 days of the Biden Administration. The half-day event will include Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Director Amanda Lefton and Department of Energy Assistant Secretary Kelly Speakes-Backman, each addressing the pressing question of how the agencies will achieve the Administration’s aggressive offshore wind goals in 2021 and beyond. IPF is seen as a go-to source for industry announcements and the Network expects this IPF Virtual to be no different.
January 20 started the clock on what will be an historic period for offshore wind energy in the United States. Within its first week in office, the Biden Administration issued an executive order to double offshore wind this decade – initiating the Administration’s plans to reshape the country’s energy policy and achieve a clean energy grid by 2035. Since then, the Biden Administration has taken a series of actions directly impacting the offshore wind industry, including setting a goal to install 30 GW of capacity by 2030, and guiding federal agencies that oversee industry growth. Join agency representatives and industry experts from the Department of Transportation, Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, Atlantic Shores, and more who will address how the new administration’s policy actions are shifting key aspects of the offshore wind industry supply chain and resolving barriers impeding project development. (full program below.)
This year, IPF includes three virtual sessions, taking place in April, May, and June, and culminates in IPF Together, an in-person event happening August 24-26 in Richmond, Virginia. Registration to the IPF Virtual events is included in IPF Together registration or can be purchased separately. Attendees will also have multiple networking opportunities throughout the event to connect with fellow participants through the Video Chat rooms. Virtual WindMatch appointments are now open for both IPF Virtual and IPF Together attendees. Registrants can set up meetings virtually through August 23 when WindMatch will move to in-person throughout IPF Together.
IPF Virtual: The First 100 Days – OSW Kicks into High Gear
Presented by the Oceantic Network
For press credentials, contact Melinda Skea at [email protected].
When:
May 13, 2021 at 9:55 – 2:00 p.m. EDT
Full program available here
Pre-Event Networking
9:30 a.m. EDT
Welcome & Introduction
9:55 a.m. EDT
Advancing Critical Milestones for Offshore Wind Energy Projects
10:00 a.m. EDT
Amanda Lefton, Director of Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) will address the pressing question of how BOEM plans to achieve the Biden Administration’s aggressive offshore wind goals in 2021 and beyond. Under the leadership of Director Lefton, BOEM has taken historic action in the last few months, including developments of Vineyard Wind, Ocean Wind, the New York Bight, and this week’s Revolution Wind announcement. How does the Biden Administration’s multiple goals for offshore wind impact your business? How can you play a party in this historic moment for the industry?
Coordinating Regulatory Oversight: Understanding Where BOEM ends and BSEE Begins
10:15 a.m. EDT
In early 2021, the U.S. Bureau of Ocean and Energy Management (BOEM) and the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that establishes a general coordination framework between the agencies in regulating Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) renewable energy activities. This session will explain the MOA and each bureau’s roles and responsibilities. Learn how the MOA promotes efficient use of federal resources and why it is important for the supply chain.
Capital Investment: How to Access the Loan Programs Office to Support Your Project
10:30 a.m. EDT
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office (LPO) is open for business and prepared to partner with the offshore wind supply chain as well as transmission developers, suppliers, and other financing partners to scale the U.S. offshore wind industry and support well-paying jobs. To date, the LPO has provided $1.6 billion in support of 1,000 MWs of onshore wind developments. This session will explain how to access the funding and note the numerous benefits of federal government investment in offshore wind.
Networking Break
10:45 a.m. EDT
Marshaling Every Resource: DOE Investment in Offshore Wind
11:00 a.m. EDT
Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Jennifer Granholm recently declared, “The Department of Energy is going to marshal every resource we have to get as many American companies, using as many sheets of American steel, employing as many American workers as possible in offshore wind energy – driving economic growth from coast to coast.” Learn how the DOE’s Office of Wind Energy Technologies is working to make offshore wind an economic driver.
Positives of Data-Sharing: Benefits of NOAA Partnership
11:15 a.m. EDT
The Department of Commerce’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Memorandum of Agreement with Ørsted to share physical and biological data is the first of its kind, paving the way for future data-sharing agreements with industry. Learn how NOAA anticipates utilizing industry partnerships to share data to fill gaps in ocean science knowledge –particularly in ocean mapping and observing – and advance NOAA’s mission to improve climate adaptation and mitigation, weather-readiness, healthy oceans, and resilient coastal communities and economies. NOAA partnerships and data-sharing provides positive benefits for the entire industry.
Investing in Port Infrastructure to Support Offshore Wind
11:30 a.m. EDT
Learn how to apply for $230 million for port and intermodal infrastructure-related projects through the Port Infrastructure Development Program. The funding, allocated under the Biden Administration, supports the strengthening and modernization of port infrastructure. The grant opportunities encompass shore-side wind energy projects, such as storage areas, lay-down areas, and docksides tailored to offshore wind vessels.
Network Break
11:45 a.m. EDT
FERC Considerations of Offshore Wind Integrations in RTOs/ISOs
Noon p.m. EDT
In October 2020, FERC conducted a technical conference focused on how RTOs/ISOs can plan for grid integration of significant quantities of offshore wind generation. Given the significant interest in the topic, particularly with the new Biden Administration in office, FERC re-opened the docket in March 2021 and requested post-technical conference comments. Listen to David Rosner, from FERC’s Office of Energy Policy and Innovation, discuss FERC important work on this crucial issue.
Connecting Offshore Wind to the Onshore Grid: Next Generation Approaches to Transmission
12:15 p.m. EDT
In the U.K., Denmark, and the U.S., transmission for offshore wind projects is undergoing a transformation. During April, PJM, working with New Jersey opened the first State Agreement Approach solicitation wind. This is the first coordinated approach to offshore wind transmission taken in U.S. waters. Tune in to this panel to hear New Jersey Board of Public Utilities FERC expert, Joseph DeLosa, talk about how New Jersey’s revolutionary approach to this crucial question.
Developer Town Hall with Atlantic Shores
12:45 p.m. EDT
The Network’s Developer Town Hall series provides an opportunity for IPF attendees to hear directly from offshore wind developers about the status and progress of U.S. projects.
Post-Event Networking
1:00 p.m. EDT
For press credentials, contact Melinda Skea at [email protected].
Additional information:
- IPF Virtual webpage
- IPF Together website
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 Partnership Forum, the largest offshore wind conference in America
