Biden Backs US Offshore Wind Expansion

US President Joe Biden has signed an executive order that includes fresh backing for the country's offshore wind sector.

The order says that the administration will double the industry by 2030, which sector sources believe refers to increasing the level of federal leases from the current 21GW to 41GW.

The order further directs the Department of Interior to conduct a full assessment of the siting processes that will align US public lands and water management practices with Administration goals to advance renewable energy production.

The Biden administration’s actions also establish the White House Office of Domestic Climate Policy and create a federal government-wide task force that will coordinate actions between agencies.

The inclusion of offshore wind energy development in the executive order acknowledges the “important role” the industry will play in the administration’s renewable energy goals, which will “drive investment, revitalise ports, and provide new, well-paying jobs for workers, particularly those in disadvantaged communities often affected by pollution”, said the Business Network for Offshore Wind (BNOW).

BNOW CEO Liz Burdock said: “President Biden’s actions today confirm the critical role that offshore wind energy will play in creating a clean US energy grid and achieving White House commitments to combat climate change.

“His call to double offshore wind production in US federal waters sends a clear signal of support to our industry, which will generate billions in new investments … offshore wind has been on the precipice of significant growth thanks to states’ bold leadership and President Biden’s executive order further pushes the industry to new heights with a new sense of urgency.”