Offshore wind: Big moves in North Carolina

After recent offshore wind developments in Rhode Island and New York, the latest news comes out of North Carolina: Avangrid Renewables has won a Department of Interior auction to develop a project off the state’s coast.

Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke praised the results:

The success of this lease sale reflects the continued interest of coastal communities to develop their offshore energy resources. Renewable energy, like offshore wind, is one tool in the all of the above energy toolbox that will help power America with domestic energy, securing energy independence, and bolstering the economy.

North Carolina’s first land-based wind farm recently became operational, and now offshore wind is on its way.

Situated near Kitty Hawk, the site of the Wright Brothers’ first flight, the ocean parcel could soon power thousands if not millions of American homes. Millions of dollars in private investment drawn to this new ocean energy resource will help boost North Carolina’s economy, creating new demand for skilled jobs, factories and U.S. flagged vessels.

In all, 13 offshore wind projects on both coasts and in the Great Lakes remain under various stages of development.

HBO’s Vice News recently took a look at America’s first offshore wind project, and examines what the future of the industry could look like: