Exploring Offshore Wind Energy Opportunities in the Great Lakes

June 26, 2023

The potential amount of offshore wind energy in the Great Lakes region of the United States could be substantial, according to a new National Renewable Energy Laboratory report. More than enough, in fact, to accommodate the electricity consumption of most nearby states. This opportunity could enable states in the region to achieve their clean energy goals, boost their economies with high-paying jobs, and provide a cleaner environment for residents. But the lakes’ freshwater environment poses different challenges from those faced by ocean-based offshore wind energy development. The report outlines a commercial pathway for Great Lakes wind energy that could begin before 2035.