Texas businesses leading offshore wind development

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The Bureau of Ocean and Energy Management is moving forward with a competitive lease process following interest from two companies to lease part of the Gulf of Mexico for wind power production. While there are currently few operational offshore wind turbines in the U.S., with none in the Gulf of Mexico, the new development could potentially generate a substantial amount of electricity for the Texas grid or be used for clean hydrogen production. Seatrium AmFELS in Brownsville, Texas, is constructing the first American-built and operated, Jones Act-compliant wind turbine installation vessel, named Charybdis, which will play a crucial role in building Dominion Energy's Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Project.

As the U.S. works towards its 30 gigawatt offshore wind energy goal, the lack of Jones Act-compliant wind turbine installation vessels poses a significant challenge. The Jones Act mandates only U.S.-flagged vessels can transport cargo within U.S. waters, leading to logistical complexities and increased costs for offshore wind projects. Texas is also nurturing its offshore wind industry potential, with the Kiewit Corporation building the first American-made offshore wind substation in Texas, and the state is being urged to take further steps to become a leader in offshore wind energy both nationally and internationally.