Orsted Joins GIP’s Skyborn in New South Fork and Revolution US Offshore Wind Partnership
Largest Offshore Wind Platform in the US Market Launched
Orsted, the largest offshore wind farm developer, has joined forces with Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) and its energy trading and infrastructure company, Skyborn, to develop offshore wind projects in the South Fork and Revolution zones, located off the coasts of Massachusetts and Virginia in the US.
Strategic Partnership Expands Offshore Wind Scope
As part of the agreement, Orsted will hold a 50% stake in the joint venture, along with GIP’s subsidiary, Skyborn. This partnership will enable Orsted to expand its operations and develop new offshore wind farms in the US, targeting a total capacity of around 2.4 GW.
Growing Demand for Renewable Energy Drive Partnership
The partnership is in line with the growing demand for renewable energy in the US, driven by increased investments in clean energy technologies. The US government has also set ambitious targets for carbon reduction, making the deployment of offshore wind an increasingly important component of the national energy mix.
South Fork and Revolution Zones Offer Significant Growth Opportunity
Both the South Fork and Revolution zones offer significant growth potential for offshore wind in the US. The South Fork zone, located 65 km off the Massachusetts coast, has been allocated up to 1,674 MW of offshore wind generation capacity, while the Revolution zone, located off the Virginia coast, can host up to 3.4 GW of generation.
Development Timelines and Next Steps Announced
The joint venture is planned to start construction of its first project in 2025, with expected power generation commencing by the end of the decade. The partnership will prioritize identifying and securing necessary permits and approvals, as well as engaging with local communities to ensure a smooth transition during the development process.
Conclusion
The new South Fork and Revolution offshore wind partnership between Orsted, GIP, and Skyborn marks a significant expansion of offshore wind energy potential in the US market. With a combined stake and expertise, the companies plan to develop a robust energy infrastructure, driving innovation, and reducing carbon emissions for a cleaner energy future.
FAQs
Q: What are the South Fork and Revolution offshore wind zones?
A: The South Fork zone is located off the coast of Massachusetts and allocated up to 1,674 MW of offshore wind generation capacity. The Revolution zone is located off the coast of Virginia and can host up to 3.4 GW of offshore wind generation.
Q: What are Orsted, GIP, and Skyborn roles in the partnership?
A: Orsted has a 50% stake in the joint venture along with GIP’s subsidiary, Skyborn, bringing together expertise in offshore wind development and energy trading.