Kearns & West, helped plan a 100-person workshop, “Offshore Wind Energy Development Site Assessment and Characterization: Evaluation of the Current Status and European Experience” for the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. The bureau’s mission includes advancing the responsible development of offshore wind energy in the United States through efficient and effective siting, permitting, and research. K&W assisted the bureau in developing the agendas and structuring the workshop to learn as much as possible from invited European experts with operating offshore wind farms, about lessons learned regarding impacts on birds, marine habitats, and cultural/archaeological resources. The workshop was highly successful, encouraging continued learning and exchange between European and U.S. experts.
Visit the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management website for more information about their Renewable Energy Program and recently published guidance on offshore resource survey methods.