In the U.S. states of North Carolina and South Carolina, offshore wind has become a high-priority. North Carolina has set ambitious goals to install 2.8 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030 and a total of 8 GW by 2040. Meanwhile, South Carolina holds the potential to become a central player in the U.S. wind supply chain, thanks to its robust manufacturing sector.
Strong Ambitions in North Carolina
These years North Carolina is making its mark in the offshore wind industry on the U.S East Coast. With its ideal conditions for offshore wind, the state is currently experiencing significant interest from both investors and energy companies working to turn its wind ambitions into reality.
Major energy giants like Dominion, TotalEnergies, Avangrid and Duke are already developing projects off the state’s coasts, generating local optimism about the prospects for renewable energy in the states. It is not just about energy – it is also about growth, jobs, and innovation. The rapidly expanding offshore wind industry in the area is expected to create a supply chain valued at $140 billion and tens of thousands of new jobs in the U.S. by 2035, according to a March 2021 report from the North Carolina Department of Commerce.
South Carolina: A Key Partner in the Supply Chain
While South Carolina does not yet have a concrete offshore wind plan, the state plays a vital role in the north region’s overall development. With a strong foundation as a supplier of materials and technology, South Carolina serves as an essential partner for project developers in North Carolina. The two states collaborate closely, with North Carolina leading the development of projects while South Carolina can contribute through production.
Danish Opportunities in the Carolinas
The growing wind industry in the two states presents a unique opportunity to bring Danish expertise and solutions to North America. Companies such as NKT, COWI, CREADIS, and FORCE Technology participated in a delegation, organized by the Trade Council in North America, to North Carolina in the fall of 2024. Here, they engaged with developers, utilities, and local manufacturers. The delegation was well received, and several Danish solutions were highlighted as critical to advancing offshore wind in the region.
Danish companies are known for their innovative solutions and experience with wind farms worldwide. They have a unique opportunity to make their mark on the Carolinas’ offshore wind development while also strengthening Denmark’s position as a global leader in green energy.
Denmark and North Carolina entered into a partnership agreement in March 2023 to share knowledge on offshore wind development through government collaboration.
The agreement was established by the Danish Energy Agency, in cooperation with the Embassy in Washington, DC, and North Carolina's Department of Commerce. The partnership aims to share Danish experiences to help North Carolina successfully achieve its ambitious offshore wind goals. This includes knowledge exchanges on the socio-economic benefits of offshore wind investments, risk reduction in tender design, and a visit by North Carolina's Secretary of Commerce, Machelle Baker Sanders, to Denmark, where she met with Danish companies and experienced the industry and its impact on society.