popular articles

U.S. Offshore Wind: Election 2024 May Redefine the Sector

The future of US offshore wind depends on the 2024 election. A Trump victory could put the brakes on current projects, while Democratic continuity would ensure that the 30 GW targets by 2030 are maintained.
SouthCoast Wind project, États-Unis

Please share:

The US offshore wind industry is at a crucial turning point.
After several years of growth under the Biden administration, the sector faces potential reconfiguration depending on the outcome of the 2024 presidential election.
On the one hand, a Donald Trump victory could redirect the country’s energy priorities towards conventional resources, such as offshore oil and gas.
On the other, a Kamala Harris victory would mean a continuation of current ambitions, including the goal of 30 GW of installed capacity by 2030.

Potential Change of Course under Trump

If Donald Trump is elected, observers anticipate a significant slowdown in new approvals for offshore wind projects.
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management(BOEM), under a Republican administration, could focus on exploiting offshore fossil resources, such as oil and gas, rather than developing wind projects.
Analysts agree that Trump would probably not cancel already-approved wind projects, but rather seek to complicate their progress through legal action.
Commercial fishing groups and other interested parties challenging these projects could find an ally in a Trump administration.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) could support complaints aimed at delaying environmental approvals, arguing that impact assessments on the fishing and wildlife industries have not been sufficient.
These tactics would aim to slow down the permitting process, leading to significant delays for current and future projects.

Industry counter-attack strategies

Despite these uncertainties, some market players believe that the momentum gained under the Biden administration could offset federal opposition.
Several states, such as New York and California, have already put in place ambitious regulatory frameworks and targets that support offshore wind development.
These states could continue to push the industry, even in the event of restrictions at the federal level.
New York, for example, is targeting 9 GW of offshore wind by 2035 as part of its Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.
There is also growing infrastructure and investment support for the industry, which has gained momentum under the current administration.
However, the long-term viability of these projects will depend heavily on policy stability and government support.

Legal Risks and Administrative Procedures

A return of Trump to the White House could mean increased use of litigation to slow down the sector.
Organizations such as the New England Fishermen’s Stewardship Association (NEFSA) have already voiced concerns about the impacts of offshore wind projects on the marine environment and fisheries.
By supporting these groups in court, the DOJ under Trump could seek to overturn certain approvals or refer them back to agencies like BOEM for further review.
This strategy would increase legal pressure on developers, potentially delaying the construction of new parks.
Administrative appeals could also serve as additional obstacles.
The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) could impose stricter restrictions on new installations or extend environmental impact studies, increasing compliance costs for developers.

Perspectives de Continuité under Kamala Harris

By contrast, an administration headed by Kamala Harris would likely continue the Biden administration’s pro-active approach to renewable energy.
BOEM and other federal agencies would continue to expedite permitting processes and support projects with tax credits and grants.
The focus would remain on the rapid expansion of offshore wind capacity, supported by favorable policies and close collaboration with state governments.
Projects such as the Maryland Offshore Wind Project, recently approved with over 2 GW of capacity, illustrate the kind of development that can be expected under a Harris administration.
This continuity would ensure predictability for investors and developers, while maintaining the momentum gained in recent years.

A Market Under High Tension

The uncertainty surrounding the 2024 election is already impacting the strategies of offshore wind companies.
Developers and investors are considering various scenarios to prepare for potential changes in federal policies.
Some companies may accelerate their projects ahead of the election to secure their permits and avoid the impasse of an administrative review under a new Trump administration.
In conclusion, the 2024 US presidential election could mark a decisive turning point for the future of offshore wind in the United States.
Companies need to prepare for significant political and legal challenges, while capitalizing on existing state and infrastructure support.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Recently published in

Faced with the rise of renewable energies, the United Kingdom is committing 42 billion euros to modernizing its electrical grid by 2031. This project, led by National Grid, aims to adapt infrastructure despite local tensions caused by the installation of new high-voltage power lines.
Danish wind energy giant Ørsted reports a modest net profit of 16 million kroner in 2024, after recording losses in 2023. Facing rising costs and delays in the U.S., the company is scaling back its investments through 2030.
Danish wind energy giant Ørsted reports a modest net profit of 16 million kroner in 2024, after recording losses in 2023. Facing rising costs and delays in the U.S., the company is scaling back its investments through 2030.
Independent renewable energy producer ERG has signed a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) with Amazon. The deal involves energy from the Corlacky wind farm in Northern Ireland, which is expected to be operational by the end of 2025.
Independent renewable energy producer ERG has signed a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) with Amazon. The deal involves energy from the Corlacky wind farm in Northern Ireland, which is expected to be operational by the end of 2025.
The world leader in wind energy, Vestas, multiplied its net profit sixfold in 2024, reaching €499 million. With a record order backlog of €68.4 billion, the Danish group is betting on offshore wind power to sustain its growth.
The world leader in wind energy, Vestas, multiplied its net profit sixfold in 2024, reaching €499 million. With a record order backlog of €68.4 billion, the Danish group is betting on offshore wind power to sustain its growth.
SSE Renewables, APB/APG, and TenneT have signed a realization agreement for the connection of the IJmuiden Ver Alpha offshore wind farm in the Netherlands. This 2GW project marks a major step in the Dutch high-voltage grid and is expected to be operational by 2029.
Amazon and Iberdrola are expanding their energy partnership with the addition of 476 MW of new power purchase agreements (PPAs). These agreements span five countries and mark a first entry into Portugal, further consolidating their presence in the European market.
Amazon and Iberdrola are expanding their energy partnership with the addition of 476 MW of new power purchase agreements (PPAs). These agreements span five countries and mark a first entry into Portugal, further consolidating their presence in the European market.
Mitsubishi Corporation is reassessing its offshore wind projects in Japan due to macroeconomic turbulence. Inflation, yen depreciation, and rising interest rates are complicating the viability of these projects, initially awarded in 2021. The company is now evaluating its next steps.
Mitsubishi Corporation is reassessing its offshore wind projects in Japan due to macroeconomic turbulence. Inflation, yen depreciation, and rising interest rates are complicating the viability of these projects, initially awarded in 2021. The company is now evaluating its next steps.
Denmark, a pioneer in offshore wind energy, is revising its model after the failure of a 3 GW tender. At the same time, the country is accelerating its green hydrogen infrastructure to strengthen its energy ties with Germany.
Denmark, a pioneer in offshore wind energy, is revising its model after the failure of a 3 GW tender. At the same time, the country is accelerating its green hydrogen infrastructure to strengthen its energy ties with Germany.
The Polish Prime Minister announces the Baltica 2 project, carried out in partnership with Ørsted and PGE, aiming for 1.5 GW over 190 km² in the Baltic Sea, with a launch this year and commissioning scheduled for 2027.
Ørsted, a Danish renewable energy specialist, is undergoing a major reshuffle following difficulties in the U.S., with the resignation of its CEO and the appointment of his deputy.
Ørsted, a Danish renewable energy specialist, is undergoing a major reshuffle following difficulties in the U.S., with the resignation of its CEO and the appointment of his deputy.
The Government of Canada, in partnership with Nova Scotia, implements new legislative provisions governing offshore wind energy development to stimulate the economy and attract significant investments.
The Government of Canada, in partnership with Nova Scotia, implements new legislative provisions governing offshore wind energy development to stimulate the economy and attract significant investments.
TGS has secured an offshore wind site characterization contract off the coast of the UK, with a duration of 30 days and mobilization scheduled for Q2 2025.
TGS has secured an offshore wind site characterization contract off the coast of the UK, with a duration of 30 days and mobilization scheduled for Q2 2025.
EDF Renewables' subsidiary will fund the restoration of a dry forest in Guadeloupe following uncontrolled land clearing at a wind farm site. This alternative to legal proceedings has been approved by local authorities.
Hydro-Québec accelerates its wind energy development with massive investments and large-scale projects. However, this expansion has sparked growing opposition from local communities demanding more transparency and consultation.
Hydro-Québec accelerates its wind energy development with massive investments and large-scale projects. However, this expansion has sparked growing opposition from local communities demanding more transparency and consultation.
Qualitas Energy has finalized the acquisition of four wind energy projects totaling 250 MW in Germany. These projects, located in strategic regions, mark an important step for the company in this key market.
Qualitas Energy has finalized the acquisition of four wind energy projects totaling 250 MW in Germany. These projects, located in strategic regions, mark an important step for the company in this key market.
Suzlon and Torrent Power consolidate their strategic partnership with a 486 MW order in Gujarat, achieving a significant milestone of 1 GW in installed wind energy capacity.
Suzlon and Torrent Power consolidate their strategic partnership with a 486 MW order in Gujarat, achieving a significant milestone of 1 GW in installed wind energy capacity.
Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners and Vena Energy move forward with the Taean offshore wind project, strengthening South Korea's energy independence and optimizing synergies with the local supply chain.
Nordex installs an N175/6.X turbine in Germany on a record-breaking 179-meter hybrid tower, an advancement that boosts the efficiency of wind energy projects in low-wind areas, meeting market expectations.
Nordex installs an N175/6.X turbine in Germany on a record-breaking 179-meter hybrid tower, an advancement that boosts the efficiency of wind energy projects in low-wind areas, meeting market expectations.
The Inch Cape offshore wind farm, owned by ESB and Red Rock Renewables, has secured £3.5 billion in funding to begin its construction phase. This flagship 1,080 MW project aims to bolster the United Kingdom's energy security.
The Inch Cape offshore wind farm, owned by ESB and Red Rock Renewables, has secured £3.5 billion in funding to begin its construction phase. This flagship 1,080 MW project aims to bolster the United Kingdom's energy security.
The Sri Lankan government has canceled a power purchase agreement with Adani, citing corruption concerns and criticism over the project’s costs. This decision marks a shift in the country’s energy policies under the new administration.
The Sri Lankan government has canceled a power purchase agreement with Adani, citing corruption concerns and criticism over the project’s costs. This decision marks a shift in the country’s energy policies under the new administration.
Copper 360, a key player in South Africa's copper sector, invests in a 55 MW wind power project to secure its energy supply while reducing operational expenses and its carbon footprint.
Donald Trump's executive order on offshore wind energy could complicate already approved projects, paving the way for legal challenges and ongoing permit revisions.
Donald Trump's executive order on offshore wind energy could complicate already approved projects, paving the way for legal challenges and ongoing permit revisions.
The United States, with only 10% of its electricity generated by wind in 2023, risks being surpassed by China, according to a report from the think tank Ember. Europe, on the other hand, is making significant progress.
The United States, with only 10% of its electricity generated by wind in 2023, risks being surpassed by China, according to a report from the think tank Ember. Europe, on the other hand, is making significant progress.
DTEK, Ukraine’s leading private energy producer, announces a record €450 million investment to expand wind energy, marking a significant step in the nation’s energy transformation accelerated by the conflict with Russia.
DTEK, Ukraine’s leading private energy producer, announces a record €450 million investment to expand wind energy, marking a significant step in the nation’s energy transformation accelerated by the conflict with Russia.

Advertising