US Offshore Wind Market Handbook Helps Investors Navigate Technical and Regulatory Issues

Atkins, a member of the SNC-Lavalin Group, and global law firm K&L Gates LLP recently released an Offshore Wind Market Handbook to help guide investors through technical and regulatory issues in the emerging US offshore wind market. SNC-Lavalin acquired WS Atkins plc on July 3, 2017.

"Many large companies and institutional investors who have been successful with offshore wind projects in Europe are now poised to invest in the US," said Andrew Thompson, Director, Offshore Wind. "However, technical and regulatory issues unique to this market can be a barrier to developers for offshore wind energy projects. Our handbook provides practical information that addresses key matters."

Regulatory issues include a discussion of the interplay between US federal jurisdiction and the various coastal states that have enacted laws and regulations encouraging offshore wind projects. Technical issues include turbine and foundation options and solutions, performance assurance strategies and a discussion of innovations in design and equipment that are particularly suited to US coastal waters.

"Essentially, technical and regulatory legal issues are intertwined such that project success requires a closely coordinated cross-discipline team," said David Hattery, co-leader of K&L Gates' power practice. "Together, K&L Gates and Atkins demonstrate a pool of knowledge and a depth of experience to draw on that gives us uniquely valuable insight into the legal and technical challenges facing the US offshore wind industry."

The K&L Gates renewable energy practice combines European project experience with US regulatory and project development expertise. Atkins is a leading provider of full range technical and operational expertise in the energy industry, including engineering design and owner's engineer services in the global offshore wind market. Together,

K&L Gates and Atkins demonstrate market leadership on key issues and can help investors build a leading position in the US offshore wind market.

Atkins | www.atkinsglobal.com

K&L Gates | www.klgates.com