NH Offshore Wind Summit to showcase economic opportunities for state

The Telegraph, Nashua, N.H.
·2 min read

Sep. 16—PORTSMOUTH — The state of New Hampshire, Business and Industry Association and Seacoast Chamber Alliance will showcase the Granite State's vast potential for renewable wind energy at the New Hampshire Offshore Wind Summit Tuesday, Sept. 27.

The no-cost summit will highlight New Hampshire's existing businesses, workforce and infrastructure and focus on the future of offshore wind energy development in the Gulf of Maine. The summit is from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sheraton Portsmouth Harborside Hotel, 250 Market St.

Panel discussions include "New Hampshire Agencies in Offshore Wind," moderated by Bob Varney of Normandeau Associates; "Utilities and Consumers," moderated by Kirsten Koch of the Business and Industry Association; "Business and Workforce," moderated by Mikael Pyrtel of the state Department of Business and Economic Affairs; and "Energy and Infrastructure," moderated by Mark Sanborn of the state Department of Environmental Services.

The summit includes an optional boat tour of the Port of New Hampshire facility or a bus tour of Pease International Tradeport.

"We are looking into whether some of the existing infrastructure we have in the Seacoast may be revitalized through offshore wind operations," said Mark Sanborn, assistant commissioner at DES. Sanborn led a study this year on infrastructure and supply chain opportunities related to offshore wind development in the Gulf of Maine.

Offshore wind projects could create thousands of new jobs in the Granite State and billions of dollars in investments and economic impact. New Hampshire is estimated to have 3.4 gigawatts of potential wind power off its coast, enough to power more than 2.5 million homes.

Gov. Chris Sununu in December 2019 passed an executive order preparing New Hampshire for future wind development and Sen. David Watters of Dover has filed legislation designed to help spur offshore wind projects and other renewable energy in the region.

"The summit aims to showcase the state's role in planning offshore wind development with goals to protect fisheries and steer more power purchases toward offshore wind," Sen. Watters said.

BIA President Michael Skelton said the summit will promote the Granite State's existing industry talent that's ready to contribute to offshore wind development such as component manufacturers, engineers, environmental consultants and more.

"Offshore wind would provide New Hampshire with a native energy source to help combat market volatility, ultimately making the state a more friendly business climate," Skelton said.

The summit is free and open to the public but pre-registration required at PortsmouthCollaborative.org/wind.