Offshore Wind Energy – a New Frontier: German American Offshore Wind Conference Oct 18, 2011 NJ

Sept. 14, 2011 - PRLog -- More than 21,607 wind turbines currently produce about 7% of Germany’s total electrical power, providing over 96,100 jobs.  As of 2011, Germany's federal government is working on a new plan for increasing renewable energy commercialization, with a particular focus on offshore wind farms. In the United States, Wind power accounted for 2.3% of the electricity generated in 2010, all from inland based sources, none off shore. By 2030, the U.S. Department of Energy’s envisions a 20% wind energy contribution, including 4% from offshore wind power.
With the goal of cementing the cooperation between Germany and the US in the growing offshore wind industry, the German American Chamber of Commerce in New York (GACC) will be holding the German American Offshore Wind Conference at the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City, NJ beginning at 9:00am on October 18th.  The event is free to attend and is sponsored by the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology (BMWi).

This conference will feature some of the most influential players in the industry today, including Siemens Energy’s Offshore Wind Americas Group, which has agreed to supply 130 offshore turbines to Cape Wind.  Participants will also hear from Peter Mandelstam, the President of NRG Bluewater Wind, which has projects under development in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, and New York.  Kris Ohleth, the Director of Permitting at the Atlantic Wind Connection will outline the project that will place a backbone transmission cable off the coast of the Mid-Atlantic to provide the infrastructure needed to build a reliable wind energy network.

The German American Offshore Wind Conference will also introduce eight important suppliers and service providers to the German offshore wind industry, who are ready to enter the US market.  These companies are active throughout the sector, from blade manufacture to foundations, to turbine service ships.  They will outline the projects they have been involved in so far and discuss their strategies and goals in the United States.

In Germany energy has been one of the main political conversations for the last two decades.  And it shows in the country’s forward thinking policies that have allowed solar electric technology to become a booming international industry.  Similarly in wind, Germany committed early to installing turbines strategically throughout the country to produce the most energy from the available winds.  These efforts had many reasons, from lack or reliable supplies of fossil fuels to unease about nuclear energy to a belief that advanced countries have a responsibility to protect our climate to the best of our ability.

And the developments that Germany has to show are impressive by any standards.  The country’s Association of Energy and Water Industries (BDEW) announced this month that for the first time, Germany produced over 20% of their energy from renewable sources in the first half of 2011.  And they are on track to supply between 80% and 100% renewable energy by 2050.  There are even some communities that have already reached 100% renewables and are now working toward becoming energy exporters to the surrounding communities.

While the progress in Germany so far has been exciting, there will need to be major advances in the coming years to reach their impressive goals.  One of those advances that is already being tested and is moving forward is offshore wind energy.  The wind speeds over water are much greater than those over land in many areas, and without the complications of land rights and community planning, the turbines can be built much bigger and taller to harness the winds more efficiently.

The United States has also seen the potential of offshore wind as a safe and reliable energy source that could lead the country toward an environmentally friendly, secure energy economy.  The Department of Energy has recognized that offshore resources will need to be included in their plan to reach 20% wind energy.  They, along with other agencies such as BOEMRE (Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement) are working to make that goal a reality by working with states and companies to create the siting requirements, permits, and environmental standards needed to make sure the industry starts off right.

There have been many accomplishments in the US offshore wind industry.  Cape Wind in Massachusetts is closer than ever to beginning construction on their 420 MW wind park after receiving both state and federal approval.  A 12 MW project in Galveston, TX is also vying for the title of the first offshore wind installation with hopes of beginning construction in 2011.  

The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) began raising awareness of the importance of the sector with the first Offshore Windpower Conference and Exposition in October 2010.  Their second annual event taking place this October 11-13 will build on the success of the previous year and help prepare for the coming developments in the sector.

The German American Offshore Wind Conference in Jersey City, NJ on October 18th will act as an excellent follow-up to AWEA’s trade show with opportunities to connect to companies that are already supplying the active European offshore wind industry.  The GACC invites you to join this event to learn about the offshore wind industry in both Germany and the US.  Registration for the conference will begin at 8:30 and the event will officially take place from 9:00 to 4:00.

Because the costs for this conference are covered by the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology (BMWi), anyone who is active or interested in the offshore wind industry may attend for free.  The event will also be followed by a networking reception in the famous Liberty Science Center Observation Deck, which features panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline, Liberty State Park, and the Statue of Liberty.  The reception will be provided by Kuehne + Nagel, an international leader in logistics since their founding in 1890.

The complete agenda and registration is available on the GACC website at: www.gaccny.com/en/events/
For more information, please contact Matthew Allen at mallen@gaccny.com or 212-974-8856.

# # #

The German American Chambers of Commerce (GACCs) in Atlanta,
Chicago, Houston, New York, Philadelphia and San Francisco all work
together. With approximately 2,500
members the GACCs offer a broad spectrum of activities and services.