OFFSHORE WIND
A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY FOR NEW HAMPSHIRE
WHY OFFSHORE WIND?
Offshore wind energy provides a multitude of opportunities for New Hampshire, including:
ABUNDANT CLEAN ENERGY
NEW, WELL-PAYING JOBS
ROBUST INVESTMENTS
It is estimated that the coast of New Hampshire has enough offshore wind potential to supply 2,600 MW of clean energy to the region's power grid, enough to power the entire Granite State. Due to New Hampshire's unique geographic position, the state is also well-positioned to host offshore wind supply chain companies. Offshore wind developments can provide significant investment in the state's economy and offer a suite of well-paying jobs across a suite of supporting industries.
OUR INVOLVEMENT
Clean Energy NH has been a leader in the effort to bring offshore wind to the state. Our staff are known as experts on the industry and have worked tirelessly to build a network of support for the industry. In 2018, Clean Energy NH led a foreign trade delegation to the Kingdom of Denmark, a global leader in offshore wind, to learn from the country's successful offshore wind projects and promote New Hampshire as a prime site for offshore wind supply chain development. Clean Energy NH is actively involved in various efforts to advance offshore wind, including monitoring the BOEM Gulf of Maine Renewable Energy Task Force.
STATUS
New Hampshire is one of three states, along with Massachusetts and Maine, participating in the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management's (BOEM) Gulf of Maine Renewable Energy Task Force. The Task Force, composed of local and state elected officials and agency representatives, is a federal requirement recognized as the first step towards development. During the Task Force, members will discuss and finalize lease areas in federal waters off the New England coast, along with various other important topics related to offshore wind development including impacts on wildlife, fishing, ocean travel, and more.
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Governor Sununu has also announced the formation of four advisory boards to work with stakeholders and advise Task Force members. The advisory boards include:
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Fisheries, endangered species, and environmental impacts advisory board, chaired by the commissioner of the Department of Environmental Services, or designee
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Workforce, economic development, and supply chain advisory board, chaired by the commissioner of the Department of Business and Economic Affairs, or designee
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Existing offshore industries advisory board, chaired by the executive director of the Pease Development Authority, or designee
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Siting, transmission, and infrastructure advisory board, chaired by the director of the Office of Strategic Initiatives, or designee
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LEARN MORE
Clean Energy NH maintains an extensive database of resources related to offshore wind. Access the database to learn more about this important clean energy source here!
WEBINAR RECORDING
Clean Energy NH hosted a webinar in April 2020 titled "Offshore Wind in the Gulf of Maine: The Basics, Status, and What They Mean for New Hampshire". View the recording here.