Fact Sheet | Offshore Wind Energy

Offshore wind turbines harness the energy of ocean winds and turn it into electricity. Several European and two Asian countries have offshore wind farms, which supply local, clean, renewable energy. Although land-based wind turbines are prevalent in the United States, there are no offshore wind farms in U.S. waters. However, projects are under development in the wind-rich areas of the East Coast, Great Lakes, and Pacific Coast. Offshore wind energy can help meet multiple state and national goals, including reducing energy imports, reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions which cause climate change (by displacing fossil-fueled power generation), meeting renewable electricity standards, and creating jobs and local business opportunities.

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