In early May, Denmark and the U.S. signed a memorandum to strengthen cooperation on offshore wind energy projects.
A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed May 4 at the Embassy of Denmark in Washington, D.C., by Danish Ambassador Lars Gert Lose and Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) Director Abigail Ross Hopper that recognizes each country's common interests in developing offshore wind as a clean and sustainable energy source.
"This is a historic event for our respective countries as we work together to share knowledge, experiences, data and best practices relevant to offshore wind energy development," said Hopper. "This MOU represents an exciting milestone toward a achieving a clean energy future."
"This agreement is a testimony to the strong transatlantic ties between Denmark and the U.S.," Ambassador Lose said. "Denmark has been using offshore wind power as an energy resource for 25 years and I am delighted that we, by sharing our knowledge and experience, can help promote renewable energy in the world's largest economy."
Several topics have been identified as high priority areas for cooperation under this MOU:
- Promoting information sharing, best practices, and policy initiatives to support development and regulation of offshore wind energy resources.
- Working to identify and discuss challenges associated with financing and risk management for offshore wind energy facilities.
- Identifying opportunities for the sharing of best practices, regulatory approaches, and scientific models with regard to protection of the environment, including, but not limited to, the effects of offshore wind energy facilities on marine mammals, migratory birds, and cultural resources.
- Facilitating technical knowledge transfer related to electrical interconnection and grid integration of electricity generated from offshore wind energy facilities.
- Knowledge sharing on a wide range of offshore wind energy issues, including supply chain, offtake, grid integration/interconnection, system planning to optimize offshore wind energy deployment, data on the benefits of offshore wind energy, and strategies for achieving cost reductions.
