On Global Wind Day, the Southeastern Wind Coalition Celebrates Progress in the Region
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, June 14, 2024
Media Contact: Katharine Kollins, katharinek@sewind.org
Raleigh, NC – In celebration of Global Wind Day on June 15th, the Southeastern Wind Coalition (SEWC) is highlighting the significant strides being made in both onshore and offshore wind energy development in our region. With more than 8 gigawatts (GW) in various stages of development, the Southeast is rapidly becoming a leader in sustainable energy by embracing wind energy and the economic and clean energy opportunities it provides.
Our region is becoming the new frontier for onshore wind energy. Projects in development are not only contributing to the region’s energy independence but are also creating jobs and stimulating local economies. From North Carolina to Arkansas, there are more than 24 land-based wind projects under development or currently operating. The new Delta Wind project in Mississippi, owned by SEWC member AES, stands as a testament to the potential of wind energy in states where development has historically lagged behind other regions.
This year, offshore wind has rapidly gained momentum. In May, Dominion Energy began offshore construction on Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW), installing monopile foundations for the project’s 176 wind turbines. Projects off the coast of North Carolina also received a boost in January when Duke Energy included 2,400 MW of offshore wind by 2035 as part of its proposed Carbon Plan/Integrated Resource Plan (CPIRP).
The offshore wind industry is also revitalizing industries and creating jobs in the Southeast. To date, the industry is investing in building more than 40 new offshore wind vessels. The first American-made offshore wind service vessel (SOV), Edison Chouest’s ‘ECO Edison’, was christened in New Orleans last month – an event celebrated by industry leaders, economic development organizations, and an assembly of bipartisan lawmakers.
Katharine Kollins, President of the Southeastern Wind Coalition, said, “As we celebrate Global Wind Day, we recognize the incredible potential of wind energy to transform our energy landscape. The Southeast is poised to become a leader in both onshore and offshore wind energy. We are committed to supporting these initiatives and look forward to the continued growth and success of wind energy in the region.”
Read more in the Global Wind Day Report, found here.
About SEWC
The Southeastern Wind Coalition is a 501(c)3 that works to advance the land-based and offshore wind industry in the Southeast. We focus on supply chain growth, economic development, job growth, and wind energy development in the region with solutions that are beneficial to industry, and utilities, and result in net economic benefits to citizens and ratepayers. For more information about the Southeastern Wind Coalition, visit http://www.sewind.org.
