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, covering topics from its current state to the intricacies of planning, leasing, and permitting.

Course Objective:

This workshop aims to equip participants with a well-rounded understanding of offshore wind energy in the U.S. 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:

- Introductions/Course Objectives/Guidelines

- The U.S. Offshore Wind Industry Today

- Ocean Governance

• Federal role(s)

• State Role

Break

- The Role of Technology

- Program Background and History

• Legislation and the regulatory regime

• Cape Wind

• The Imaginary Energy Program

Lunch Break

- Issues and Opportunities (Discussion)

- Stakeholder involvement 

• Intergovernmental Task Forces

• Public Meetings

• Outreach

- The "Auction"

• Purpose

• Factors for bidding strategy formulation (Discussion)

Break

- Auction Exercise

- Site Assessment and Development of a COP

• BOEM/BSEE handoff

- Industry Challenges ahead:

• Supply Chain

• Infrastructure

• Transmission

- Adjourn

Course Instrcutor:

Jim Bennett

Former Senior Advisor, Office of Renewable Energy Programs, BOEM

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.

The course outline is subject to change and a detailed agenda will be shared after enrollment.