The development of a robust offshore wind domestic supply chain is a necessary step towards achieving the United States’ ambitious clean energy goals. While researchers have identified a pathway to developing the supply chains needed to support the Biden Administration’s 30 GW by 2030 target, scaling the offshore wind industry beyond that will require targeted domestic policy support and infrastructure investment. In order for offshore wind to provide 10-25% of the nation’s electricity needs, cumulative investment in the supply chain would need to exceed $260 billion through 2045. Manufacturing the amount of blades, nacelles, turbines, and cables required to meet the Medium and High Ambition targets will require a four or fivefold increase in the estimated number of facilities needed to meet the 30 GW by 2030 target. Lack of port capacity and wind turbine installation vessels will likely remain the largest bottleneck to scaling the U.S. offshore wind industry.
