Agenda

November 16, 2023

(Times are EST)

08:00 – Registration Desk Open, Check-in & Networking Breakfast (50 min)

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08:50 – Welcome Presentation

• Adam Barber, CEO, Tamarindo

08:55 – Welcome Presentation

• Co-Headline Sponsor

09:03 – Welcome Presentation

• Co-Headline Sponsor

09:10 – Panel Discussion (45 min)

State of Offshore Wind in the US

The Biden administration has pushed hard to develop a pipeline of offshore wind projects to hit its target of 30GW of installed capacity by 2030. However, the industry could still fall well short of this as developers struggle with rising costs, slow development of the supply chain, and questions over grid infrastructure. In this opening session, we will reflect on where the industry goes after recent highs and lows.

• Has the Inflation Reduction Act bolstered US offshore wind plans?
• Should US offshore wind firms be worried about the 2024 election?
• Should we be worried about projects failing to reach financial close?
• How big an impact has energy turmoil had on offshore wind projects?

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09:55 – Panel Discussion (45 min)

Obstacles for US Offshore Growth

This discussion will look in greater depth at some of the practical challenges that need to be overcome to enable the US to make good on its offshore wind promise. Developers will only be able to hit their project deadlines if the US has the right supply chain, workforce, vessels, ports and transmission infrastructure. Potential areas for discussion include:

• How much progress has there been on coordinated plans for transmission?
• Do turbine makers have the confidence they need to start building factories?
• How can the industry ensure it can access the vessels and ports it needs?
• Should we be worried about recent headlines related to whale deaths?
• Are we seeing enough investment in workforce training? What is needed?

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10:40 – Keynote Presentation (20 min)

11:00 – Networking Coffee Break (30 min)

11:30 – WindTech Interview/Presentation (15 min)

11:45 – Panel Discussion (30 min)

Macroeconomic pressures

This discussion will look more at the financial side of US offshore wind developments. Potential areas for discussion:

• How concerned should we be about recent issues around financial close?
• How big an impact have inflation and supply chain issues had on the sector?
• How important are joint ventures in the delivery of US offshore wind projects?
• Should we expect contract renegotiation to become a big part of the market? Would renegotiating contracts on one project set an unhelpful precedent for the market?
• Are off-take structures / PPAs enabling developers to make the profits they need?
• Are macroeconomic pressures responsible for putting the 2030 target at risk?

12:15 – Panel Discussion (45 min)

Financing structures

This panel will enable us to get into greater detail about the financial terms involved with US offshore wind projects. Potential areas for discussion could include:

• How important is it for banks and others to see Vineyard Wind 1 operational?
• How are deal structures in the US offshore wind sector going to evolve?
• What role will tax equity and ECA play in the financing of US offshore wind?
• Has the IRA opened up new ways of investment or brought in new investors?

13:00 – Networking Lunch Break (60 min)

14:00 – WindTech Interview/Presentation (15 min)

14:15 – Fireside Chat (30 min)

Offshore wind off the Pacific Coast

This panel will discuss where the next opportunities for offshore wind in the US lies, with a closer look at risks and opportunities of offshore wind development in the Gulf of Mexico.

14:45 – Panel Discussion (45 min)

Commercialization of US floating wind

This panel will enable us to consider the commercialization of floating offshore wind. We will discuss floating wind in the context of the offshore wind market in California, which made huge strides in 2022. Potential discussion topics include:

• When is floating wind technology going to reach commercial maturity?
• What can we read into the results of the Californian tender in December 2022?
• What can the US already learn from other markets elsewhere in the world?
• How important will technology and innovation be in cost reduction? 

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15:30 – Networking Tea Break (30 min)

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16:00 – WindTech Interview/Presentation (15 min)

16:15 – Panel Discussion (45 min)

Offshore Wind + Hybrid Technologies 

This panel will enable us to look in greater detail about the potential to develop offshore wind projects with hybrid technologies such as green hydrogen production or battery storage. The IRA has sought to put the US at the forefront of the emerging green hydrogen and storage sectors, so in this discussion we will consider the links between these and offshore wind.

• How seriously are developers considering pairing offshore wind with green hydrogen or other green fuel production in US waters?
• Are US offshore wind developers considering battery storage for their schemes?
• Are these technologies vital to unlock additional profitability and revenue streams at offshore wind assets in a fast-evolving market? Or do they simply introduce a new element of risk that makes them difficult to finance in the current economic climate?

17:00 – Closing remarks and event ends

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