In an interview with CNN, TV and radio personality Bill Nye “The Science Guy” responded to the devastating flooding in Louisiana this August by urging offshore oil and gas companies to use their equipment and expertise to build out the U.S. offshore wind industry that is just getting started in the country.
While America is just getting started with offshore wind, by contrast Europe had 2,488 turbines installed and grid connected by January 2015 with 12 other projects under construction, according to the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA). Once those projects are connected to the grid there will be a cumulative total of 10.9 GW in 86 wind farms in 11 European countries.
The success of the offshore wind industry in Europe could easily be replicated in the U.S. and serves as an excellent business opportunity for the offshore oil and gas industry.
Listen to the entire fascinating interview below or skip to 3.56 to hear his call for action.
For more on this topic, check out Renewable Energy World’s Special Report: How Offshore Oil and Gas Companies Can Retool to Supply the Offshore Wind Industry in the U.S.