Journal of Science Policy & Governance
Volume 25, Issue 01 | October 28, 2024

Policy Memo: Standardization of Turbine Design and Installation Vessels to Accelerate the Offshore Wind Industry in the United States

Ona Ambrozaite1*, Corinna Torabi2*, Nathan Van Damme2*, Daniel Velez2*, Michel Wallemacq*
  1. Johns Hopkins University, Department of Chemistry, Baltimore, Maryland 
  2. Johns Hopkins University, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Baltimore, Maryland

*All authors contributed equally
​​
​Corresponding author:  [email protected] ​​​
Keywords: science diplomacy; sustainable energy; offshore wind; wind turbines; installation vessels
https://doi.org/10.38126/JSPG250101​

Executive Summary

Offshore wind energy has gained attention as a promising renewable energy source with many benefits, including clean, sustainable, and scalable electricity production. Despite the vast potential for offshore wind production in the United States, the country lags in its development. The industry struggles with supply chain challenges related to the complex logistics around the design and construction of many component parts, installation and maintenance vessels, and shipyards that can accommodate the massive turbine components before installation. These challenges are complicated by the rapid increase in size of offshore wind turbines to achieve higher power generation, which are not easily handled by other parts of the supply chain. The US lacks access to wind turbine installation vessels (WTIVs), particularly those that can install very large turbines. To address these issues, we propose policy options to the US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management of the Department of Interior and the US Department of Energy to spearhead standardization in this sector of the economy by exploring standardization of maximum turbine size, investment in WTIVs, or allowance of unrestricted or market-driven offshore wind farm development. These options have great potential to enable growth in the offshore wind energy sector in the US and achieve the federal government's goal of 30 GW of offshore wind energy by 2030.

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Background header image courtesy of cleanpower.org
Ona Ambrozaite is a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow (NSF GRF) pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemistry at Johns Hopkins University. She studies synthesis of low-dimensional materials with tunable morphologies, phases and resulting properties. Beyond the laboratory work, she is involved in many science diplomacy and science policy areas, acting as the President of the Johns Hopkins Science Policy and Diplomacy Group (JHSPDG).

Corinna Torabi is pursuing a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering at Johns Hopkins University. Her research focus is microfluidic devices for clinical translation, including microfluidic tools for fabrication of microscale therapeutic biomaterials and nanoparticles for gene therapy and drug delivery.  

Nathan Van Damme is a Mechanical Engineering student at Johns Hopkins University. His current research focuses on MRI-compatible motors for robotic interventions in the field of urology. During his previous MSc in Biomedical Engineering and MSc in Robotics, he has been involved in a variety of projects in the medical sector ranging from surgical instrument holders to rehabilitation devices for stroke patients. 

Daniel Velez is pursuing a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering at Johns Hopkins University, where he studies simulations of multiphase flow, including turbulent bubbly flows for bubble drag reduction with Professor Gretar Tryggvason. He has a background in chemical and mechanical engineering, patent law, and hazardous materials regulation. He is also an active-duty member of the US Coast Guard. The views expressed in this article are his personal, academic views and do not reflect the views of the US Coast Guard or the Department of Homeland Security.  

Michel Wallemacq works as an Economic Advisor in Washington, D.C. He has a background in economics, law, and energy. Beyond his daily work, Michel is involved in activities related to sustainability, energy efficiency, and economic circularity. He believes that creating bridges between economic and academic actors can help accelerate a sustainable transition through sharing practical experiences and knowledge.

Disclaimer: Authors’ views do not necessarily reflect those of their respective departments or institutions. The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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