German Offshore Wind Industry Model for Massachusetts

German Offshore Wind Industry Model for Massachusetts

A delegation from the port city of New Bedford, Massachusetts (United States) is currently visiting the sites of the German offshore industry in Cuxhaven and Bremerhaven, as we recently reported.

The 40-member delegation will be informed about the industry directly from local companies in the following couple of days.

“The visit of the delegation shows once again: Offshore wind is an international trend. What the German offshore industry has created in recent years is a model for many countries around the world,” said Ronny Meyer, CEO of Wind Energy Agency (WAB).

The delegation visited tower and foundation manufacturers, project developers and turbine manufacturers in the region, as well as port facilities in Cuxhaven and Bremerhaven. “The region is kind of a blueprint for the planned development in Massachusetts,” Meyer said.

In particular, the visitors are interested in the actual and expected positive effects on employment. “The benefits of offshore wind energy are seen globally with climate-neutral electricity and valuable jobs,” said Meyer.

In Germany, about 10,000 jobs in the offshore industry have emerged in recent years. By 2020, the Wind Energy Agency expects up to 33,000 jobs. This potential is also of interest for visitors from New Bedford, as the first U.S. offshore wind farm Cape Wind is being created in the coastal area of New Bedford.

“German offshore wind technology is a quality leader in the global market. The role of an industry pioneer also serves as a competitive advantage, as potential export markets, such as in Massachusetts, are interesting and promising for local companies in the fledgling industry,” Meyer said.

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Offshore WIND Staff, April 24, 2013; Image: Port of New Bedford