The North Carolina Department of Commerce has identified and hired an experienced, international consulting company to help the agency assess North Carolina’s potential as an offshore wind industry hub.
BVG Associates will help the Department research and develop an inventory of businesses, organizations, and physical infrastructure best positioned to promote offshore wind development in North Carolina.
The move is the latest step in Governor Roy Cooper’s far-reaching commitment to build a clean energy economy to fight climate change and grow clean-energy jobs in North Carolina.
“Moving to a clean energy economy will bring new jobs and economic growth to North Carolina,” said North Carolina Commerce Secretary Anthony M. Copeland. “The Commerce Department’s study will gather the information and insights we need to prepare our infrastructure and our workforce for the future opportunities this promising industry offers us.”
North Carolina already features one approved Wind Energy Area (WEA) under lease for development. The Kitty Hawk WEA, located 24 nautical miles from Corolla, is projected to be able to support 2,500 megawatts of electricity generation which would be enough to power approximately 700,000 homes.