Kent launches US Offshore Wind Handbook, in collaboration with Mainstream & K&L Gates copy

Kent, Mainstream Renewable Power and K&L Gates LLP have released an updated Offshore Wind Handbook to help guide investors and new market entrants through technical and regulatory issues in a fast-paced developing U.S. offshore wind market.

The launch took place at The International Offshore Wind Partnering Forum (IPF) in Atlantic City, New Jersey, the largest and the most comprehensive offshore wind conference in the U.S.

The offshore wind handbook intends to review the current progress in the U.S. offshore wind market and outline some of the challenges faced by this dynamic and expanding market.

The U.S. offshore wind market has evolved at unprecedented pace over the last year, with extensive updates in policy and regulatory environment, and several states entering or strengthening their commitment to the industry and several auction commitments.

The handbook includes updates to reflect global developments, including updates on technology advancements, floating wind developments, and global market updates driven by urgency post-climate change commitment at COP 26 and the current energy security crisis.

Regulatory issues include updated discussions of the interplay between U.S. federal jurisdiction and the various coastal states that have enacted laws and regulations encouraging and enhancing the development of offshore wind projects. Technical challenges include permitting priorities, turbine and foundation options and solutions, supply chain constraints, performance assurance strategies, and updates on innovations in design, delivery, and installation specific to U.S. coastal waters.

President and CEO of the Business Network for Offshore Wind, Liz Burdock, highlighted the value of the updated handbook for the offshore industry, stating,

"Mainstream, Kent and K&L Gates’ Offshore Wind Handbook is a succinct resource for those looking to gain a baseline understanding of the policy landscape, market development, and supply chain in the U.S. offshore wind industry. It is a go-to resource for anyone wanting to or working in offshore wind.”

Leading Kent's offshore wind activities in the U.S., Andy Malpas, U.S. Offshore Wind Market Lead, said,

“We are extremely delighted to launch the updated offshore wind handbook here in New Jersey on such a prestigious stage. The industry is at an exciting phase, and we are confident that the handbook will prove to be a go-to tool for the industry and the new entrants in the market.

It’s been a pleasure to collaborate with K&L Gates and Mainstream Renewable Power for their guidance and input on this ground-breaking guide to review the current progress in the U.S. offshore wind market.”

Mainstream’s Head of Offshore Strategy and New Markets Offshore, Úna Brosnan, added,

“The U.S. offshore wind industry has undergone rapid growth and change over the past year. As a global renewable energy developer, Mainstream is delighted to be part of this growth and to bring our experience in more advanced offshore markets to the U.S. The 2022 Offshore Wind Handbook reflects Mainstream, Kent and K&L Gates’ collective development, technical and regulatory expertise and is designed to support the continued growth of the U.S. offshore market. We believe that knowledge sharing will play a key role in the success of offshore wind and are very proud to be launching the updated handbook at IPF this week.”

This handbook is a result of collaboration between Kent, an international leader in offshore wind design, consultancy, and asset management; K&L Gates, a leading global law firm; and Mainstream Renewable Power, a pure-play renewable energy developer.