Offshore wind – the use of wind farms constructed in the
ocean to harvest wind energy to generate electricity – is
quickly becoming the new frontier for "clean" (i.e., low
carbon) energy.
In recent years, offshore wind costs have tumbled, leading to
significant potential growth in the industry. However, US offshore
wind developers setting up their supply chains need to be prepared
to navigate a complicated regulatory scheme involving overlapping
federal and state laws, and adequately protect themselves with
contracts that reflect the unpredictability of building wind
turbines in the ocean. Offshore wind supply chain ventures will
also likely face environmental opposition, despite the clean energy
moniker.
