Offshore Wind Energy Development in the Great Lakes Region

TNC’s priorities for 2030 include reducing and storing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing the resilience of people and habitats to cope with climate-related emergencies, conserving oceans, freshwater, and lands, and supporting capacity building for local stewards whose well-being and livelihoods depend on the environment. In alignment with these priorities, CIS is providing advisory and research services to TNC for an offshore wind energy development project.

The Great Lakes Region faces increasing environmental and socioeconomic challenges due to climate change and continued reliance on fossil fuels. According to the Fifth National Climate Assessment (NCA5), the region has experienced significant warming and increased annual precipitation. Transitioning to renewable energy sources like offshore wind can help mitigate these impacts while providing substantial environmental, social, and economic benefits. The region’s offshore wind potential is significant, with estimates suggesting a power capacity of 160 gigawatts for fixed-bottom wind turbines and about 415 gigawatts for floating wind energy systems.

Additionally, CIS assisted TNC with the Siting Renewables Right Tool. This online mapping tool combines more than 100 geographic information system (GIS) layers of wildlife habitat and land use data, helping to identify areas where renewable energy development is most likely to avoid important natural areas, permitting delays, and cost overruns. The tool provides the latest research and data on the best places to source renewable energy, spanning 19 states from Ohio to Wyoming. CIS supported the expansion of renewable siting data layers specifically for the Great Lakes Region.