One year after Massachusetts' successful solicitation for 800 megawatts of offshore wind power development was won by Vineyard Wind, and two weeks after the state announced a second 800-megawatt solicitation for 2019, Massachusetts leaders have decided to double-down on offshore wind power generation. 

On May 31, 2019, the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (MassDOER) released a report recommending that the Commonwealth solicit another 1600 megawatts of offshore wind energy. With more offshore wind energy capacity solicited than any other state, Massachusetts is leading the way in the growth of the U.S. offshore wind power market.

Building a supply chain and domestic capacity is essential to this market expansion.  In support, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) will host the Offshore Wind Summit on Wednesday, June 12, 2019, at the Fairmont Copley Plaza in Boston, convening industry and government to drive collaboration.

The executive director of the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC), the lead state agency for offshore wind solicitations, will take part in a morning panel discussion with representatives from agencies in Maryland, New York, and Rhode Island to address how regional cooperation will drive growth and a more efficient supplier network. 

The full-day program also features presentations by industry leaders and technical experts on technology development, investment opportunities and industry needs. Ørsted, Shell New Energies and Vineyard Wind will describe their visions of U.S. offshore wind energy. In addition, the world's largest offshore wind turbine manufacturers-GE Renewable Energy, MHI-Vestas Offshore Wind, and Siemens-Gamesa Renewable Energy-will share how technology advancements have made wind energy an increasingly efficient and affordable power resource.

"ASME is driving collaboration to build a strong, resilient U.S. technology base for offshore wind," says ASME President-elect Richard Laudenat, who will welcome Summit attendees. "By convening technical experts, policy makers, leading manufacturers and suppliers, we can fully seize the opportunity and ensure clean energy for generations to come." 

ASME | offshorewind.asme.org