CleanTech Talk — EVs, Solar, Batteries, AI, Tesla Offshore Wind Power Challenges & Needs in USA
Jun 23, 2025
Kris Ohleth, Director of the Special Initiative on Offshore Wind, delves into the evolving landscape of the U.S. offshore wind industry. He discusses the historical challenges and current obstacles, including slow policy responses and competition with global leaders like China. Despite these issues, Kris highlights a hopeful future, emphasizing the economic potential of offshore wind and its benefits over traditional energy sources. He also shares insights on navigating procurement complexities and the unique challenges California faces in developing this clean energy source.
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Pioneer in US Offshore Wind
- Kris Ohleth worked in offshore wind since 2000 when it was a very small and lonely market.
- He worked on the first offshore wind power purchase agreement in the US, beating nuclear and gas-fired plants.
Policy Delays Offshore Wind US
- The US has lagged in offshore wind progress due to slow climate change policies.
- Unlike UK and Germany, the US has not properly accounted for carbon costs or offshore wind benefits.
Regulation and Opposition Challenges
- Offshore wind faces challenges with regulations copied from oil and gas sectors, creating regulatory mismatches.
- Opposition funded by oil and gas industries, like WhaleGate misinformation, significantly impede offshore wind progress.