Multicriteria models provide enhanced insight for siting US offshore wind

Area of Science:

• Environmental science
• Energy policy
• Renewable energy systems

Background:

• Offshore wind power is crucial for decarbonizing energy systems.
• Deployment is hindered by opposition from diverse stakeholders, necessitating better conflict resolution.
• Addressing external stakeholder concerns is vital for continued offshore wind expansion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess potential offshore wind sites in U.S. federal waters using a multi-criteria model.
• To contrast the perspectives of wind farm developers with those of other stakeholders.
• To inform developers and policymakers on optimizing future offshore wind deployment strategies.

Main Methods:

• A multi-criteria model was employed to evaluate all potential sites within a 2 km x 2 km grid in continental U.S. federal waters.
• Site suitability was assessed by contrasting developer preferences with broader stakeholder concerns.
• Analysis focused on identifying areas of alignment and conflict between different interest groups.

Main Results:

• Larger offshore wind facilities, preferred by developers, are more location-sensitive and uncertain in impact compared to smaller ones.
• Approximately 600 GW of potential offshore wind capacity exists where developer and stakeholder interests converge, indicating priority development zones.
• Limited areas on the U.S. West Coast show alignment between developer and stakeholder preferences, suggesting potential siting challenges or the need for technological advancements.

Conclusions:

• Strategic site selection that balances developer interests with stakeholder concerns is essential for successful offshore wind deployment.
• Prioritizing sites with aligned interests can accelerate the transition to renewable energy and overcome deployment hurdles.
• Addressing the unique challenges on the U.S. West Coast may require innovative siting solutions or deeper water installations.