Newsmaker: Renewable Transmission Developers will Discuss Infrastructure Needs to Expand Offshore Wind Development

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Nov 18, 2011, 12:16 ET

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Press Club Newsmakers Committee will host a Newsmaker forum on the growing importance of offshore wind and the tools and infrastructure necessary to get it to consumers in the club's Zenger Room at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30, in the National Press Building, 529 14th St. NW, Washington, D.C.

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With vast untapped wind potential off the Eastern Seaboard, a number of companies are moving to build America's first offshore wind farms. While developers have experienced successes and failures, the necessary offshore wind infrastructure that will reduce costs, increase the scale of the development and deliver the power to shore is moving to the forefront.

The panel will feature former Iowa Gov. Chet Culver, who draws offshore wind parallels to the renewable revolution he lead in his state with land-based renewables creating jobs, economic opportunity and lower power prices. Culver, who argues that infrastructure commitment is essential to create the new industry, will be joined by experts who will discuss the offshore transmission project proposed last year. Bob Mitchell of the Atlantic Wind Connection, the project developer; Google's Green Business Director Rick Needham, who is one of several key financiers; and European Supergrid developer Elia's Pierre Bernard will add their expertise to the debate.

SOURCE National Press Club