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Climate Change Stories

Offshore Wind in the United States

people kayaking in the ocean with wind turbines behind them.
555170423 Offshore wind is a renewable energy technology that will be critical to contributing to the clean energy transition in the United States. © Johner Images/Getty Images

Offshore wind can help meet U.S. energy needs, reduce carbon pollution and may create new 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 in offshore wind construction could serve as habitat for marine life, like fish and shellfish. Offshore wind energy development can also provide quality jobs and support the health and wellness of regional communities through the reduction in carbon pollution, oil spills and other 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 maximize benefits and minimize harm to nature and people.

Wind turbines in the ocean.
Offshore Wind Power TNC uses the best available science to advance offshore wind in a way that maximizes benefits and minimizes harm to nature and people. © Jeff Deem

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 Policy Manager
A LOOK UNDERSEAS (1:49) As wind turbines are put in the ocean to generate clean energy, we have an incredible opportunity to expand habitat for marine life through the creation of turbine reefs.

Offshore Wind in Action

Explore how TNC accelerates offshore wind development in North America.

Offshore Wind Webinar Series

Offshore wind is a complicated topic. We know it can be a critically important energy resource in our efforts to mitigate climate change, but it also evokes a lot of questions. The Nature Conservancy launched this monthly seven-part webinar series to convene experts who can help us answer some of the most challenging questions we have about offshore wind and explore how it can help us create a cleaner, greener and more prosperous future. We hope you will join us.

  • A flock of red knots (Calidris canutus) take flight over the Atlantic shoreline of the Eastern Shore,  Virginia Coast Reserve, Virginia. TNC's Virginia Coast Reserve (VCR) is a key stopover site for migratory red knots.

    #4: Offshore Wind and Birds

    Join us on October 10 from 12-1pm ET as host Tricia K. Jedele, Offshore Wind Policy Manager of The Nature Conservancy, leads a conversation about birds, climate change and offshore wind. Register

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    #5: Understanding the Interactions Between Fish, Habitat, and Offshore Wind

    Join us on November 14 from 12-1pm ET to learn more about the interactions between fish and offshore wind and the surprising impacts that offshore wind infrastructure is having on fish habitat. Register

  • September 2019 photo taken from the roadside on Isle of Wight in Maryland of the surrounding salt marshes and neighboring Ocean City.   Full set includes photos taken both during and just after a passing thunderstorm.

    #6: The Role of Data, Spatial Tools, and Policy in Designing Projects

    What does the term net-positive impact on biodiversity mean in an offshore wind context? Why does it matter? How will we know if we achieve it? Join us on December 5 from 12-1pm ET to learn more. Register

Watch past webinars

A Windfall: Can offshore wind save money and the planet Join us for a discussion hosted by Tricia Jedele, Offshore Wind Policy Manager for The Nature Conservancy. She will be in conversation with Melissa Whited, and Susan Muller about the results of their recent analyses on why offshore wind is so important in New England.

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