United States offshore wind energy atlas: availability, potential, and economic insights based on wind speeds at different altitudes and thresholds and policy-informed exclusions

Abstract

This study presents the first comprehensive offshore United States wind energy atlas at multiple hub heights above 100 m that accounts for technical, climate, environmental, and social exclusions. The study uses Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping and open-source marine planning data. The atlas accounts for wind speed thresholds, bathymetry, ocean conditions, restrictions (including shipping lanes and military zones that can impede wind projects), regulations (including distance requirements from energy infrastructure, safety hazards, and marine protected areas), and modern wind turbine information (including size, spacing, and energy output). The results indicate that 64% of total (61.5% of contiguous) U.S. coastal area is available for offshore wind development, translating to a maximum possible nameplate capacity of 26,800 GW (7,150 GW for the contiguous U.S.). This far exceeds the U.S. 30 GW by 2030 target and projected capacity needs to power all energy sectors in 2050. The regions with the largest available areas at 150 m hub height and a 7 m/s wind speed threshold include Alaska (∼1,784,300 km2), Hawaii (∼718,600 km2), and the Northern California Coast (∼127,000 km2). The U.S. East and Gulf Coasts have ∼363,200 km2 and ∼137,800 km2 available, respectively. This atlas will enable site selection that maximizes energy generation while minimizing interference with other stakeholders, costs, required port infrastructure investments, and new transmission interconnection distances.

Keywords

• Energy mapping
• Energy policy
• Geographic Information System
• Offshore wind energy
• Renewable energy
• Wind energy atlas