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OSW Planning, Leasing and Permitting Workshop
The "Offshore Wind Planning, Leasing, and Permitting" full-day workshop offers a comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted world of offshore wind energy in the United States. Participants will delve into key aspects of the industry through extensive discussion and interactive exercises, covering topics from the current state of the industry to the intricacies of planning/leasing/permitting, to the anticipated changes with the new administration.  This is a workshop - be ready to put your knowledge and ideas to work!Â
Course Objectives:
This workshop aims to equip participants with a well-rounded understanding of offshore wind energy in the U.S. and the ability to actively participate in the many steps in the process leading to steel in the water. The objectives are as follows:
- Gain insights into the present landscape of the U.S. offshore wind industry.
- Explore the role of federal and state governments in ocean governance.
- Understand the influence of technology and its historical context.
- Analyze the legislative and regulatory background shaping the industry.
- Examine real-life case studies of offshore wind projects, including Cape Wind and the Imaginary Energy Program.
- Engage in discussions on the challenges and opportunities within the industry.
- Learn about stakeholder involvement and outreach strategies.
- Delve into the complex dynamics of offshore wind auctions.
- Participate in an auction exercise to simulate real-world scenarios.
- Gain an overview of site assessment, COP (Construction and Operations Plan) development, and the BOEM/BSEE handoff.
- Explore the current and future industry challenges, such as the supply chain, infrastructure, and transmission.
Who Should Attend:
Professionals and individuals with a vested interest in offshore wind energy will find this workshop invaluable. This includes:
- Government officials and policymakers involved in energy regulation.
- Industry professionals and decision-makers.
- Technology enthusiasts seeking an overview of the offshore wind landscape.
- Academics and researchers interested in the industry's history and legislative backdrop.
- Stakeholders and community representatives involved in offshore wind projects.
- Those interested in the dynamics of offshore wind auctions.
- Individuals looking to understand the site assessment and development processes.
- Those curious about the future challenges of the offshore wind sector.
This workshop provides a foundational understanding of the complexities and opportunities inherent to U.S. offshore wind energy, making it beneficial for a wide range of participants.
Workshop Agenda:
Course Time: 9.30am-4pm EST
Module 1: Introductions/Course Objectives/Guidelines
Module 2: The U.S. Offshore Wind Industry Today
Module 3: Ocean Governance
Federal role(s)
State Role
Exercise:Â Alternative Program frameworksÂ
Break
Module 4: Program Background and History
Legislation and the regulatory regime
Cape Wind
The Imaginary Energy Program
Exercise:Â Â Alternative Program frameworksÂ
Â
Lunch Break
Module 5: The Role of Technology
Exercise:  Innovative ideas put to work Â
Module 6: Issues and Opportunities (Discussion)
Module 7: Stakeholder involvementÂ
Intergovernmental Task Forces
Public Meetings
Outreach
Exercise:Â Public meeting simulation and roleplaying
Module 8: The Purpose of an Outer Continental Shelf "Auction"- Discussion: Bidding FactorsÂ
Exercise:Â Strategy formulation Â
Break
Exercise: Auction (with Mike Olsen)
Bidding assignments and instructionsÂ
Round by Round bidding and evaluationsÂ
Announcement of WinnersÂ
Module 9: Post-Lease Activities and ResponsibilitiesÂ
Site Assessment and Development of a COPÂ
BOEM/BSEE handoffÂ
Module 10: Industry Challenges Ahead
Supply Chain
Infrastructure
Transmission
Module 11: New Administration - Your concerns, Q&A, and open discussion
Course Instructors:
Jim Bennett
Former Program Manager for Offshore Renewable Energy, Office of Renewable Energy Programs, Bureau of Ocean Energy management (BOEM), U.S. Department of the InteriorÂ
Jim Bennett, recognized both domestically and internationally as an expert on environmental review and development of natural resources on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), recently retired after 43 years of Federal service including more than seven years as the Renewable Energy Program Manager in Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM). Under his leadership, the Program managed the upsurge in Atlantic renewable energy leases, the installation of the first OCS steel-in-the-water, and the approval of the first two commercial-scale wind farms in U.S. waters. Jim also led the Bureau’s Division of Environmental Assessment for many years. He now shares his vast experience and unique expertise with our new national offshore wind industry. He provides industry training and is currently associated with the highly ranked, full-service global business and technology consultancy Burns & MacDonnell.
Mike Olsen
Founding Principal, M.D. Olsen Consulting, LLC
Mike Olsen has over 20 years’ experience in energy policy.  He is the founding principal of M.D. Olsen Consulting, which offers strategic advice and government affairs services.  Before launching his firm, Mike was Vice President for Strategy & Partnerships at Aker Solutions.  Prior to that he managed government affairs for Mainstream Renewable Power in the U.S.  He joined Mainstream from Equinor, where he was responsible for offshore wind market development and policy.  Before joining Equinor, Mike was Senior Counsel at the law firm Bracewell LLP.  He spent almost six years at the Department of the Interior during the George W. Bush administration in roles including Deputy Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs.  Before that he was Director of the Office of Native American and Insular Affairs for the House of Representatives Committee on Resources. Â
The course outline is subject to change and a detailed agenda will be shared after enrollment.