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Stories in Delaware

Wind Power: A Window into Delaware’s Clean, Bright Future

Offshore wind offers an opportunity to bring about an era of 100% renewable energy and a greener, cleaner and more prosperous future.

April 02, 2024 | Last updated September 30, 2024

A wind turbine sits in the middle of a blue ocean with a white square frame around it's body.

Let’s Clear the Air on Climate Change and Offshore Wind

Climate change is a threat to humans and the natural world. Delaware and our warming planet are already facing sea level rise, flooding, heat waves and more intense storms.

But there is hope.

Impact of Wind Factsheet

Learn what wind can do for Delaware and our natural world.

Download the Factsheet

We can limit further global warming and the dangers it poses to humans and wildlife—if we act now. We must drastically cut greenhouse gas emissions and rapidly increase our use of clean energy.

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) supports the rapid and sustainable development of offshore wind projects that avoid potential impacts to habitat and species through the use of the best data available, mitigation strategies and engagement with key stakeholders.

Window of Opportunity Webinar (58:07) Watch The Nature Conservancy’s virtual discussion about the science and policy of offshore wind deployment along the Delaware coast, recorded on May 29, 2024.

Delaware Can Help Lead the Way

To reduce the impact of climate change, Delaware’s goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2050. We cannot meet the state emissions-reduction goal without offshore wind energy. It’s a proven, time-tested way to create energy, and the time to implement it is now.

In a recent Delaware survey:

  • An icon of wind turbines.

    77%

    77% of respondents believe that the development of offshore wind power projects in Delaware should be encouraged or strongly encouraged.

  • An icon of a white checkmark inside of a green starburst.

    64%

    64% of respondents have a positive or very positive attitude toward offshore wind power.

  • An icon of three people standing.

    Benefit

    Respondents say the top three benefits of offshore wind are clean energy, job creation and cleaner air.

Two children lay in the grass laughing at the camera.

Offshore Wind Benefits the Environment

Clean energy can help safeguard our natural heritage. Delaware’s unique natural environments—the bays, tidal marshes, dunes and freshwater wetlands—are home to rare, threatened or endangered plant and animal life, including the globally recognized horseshoe crab and migrating red knot.

Climate change is a direct threat to their habitats.

Offshore wind investments can help reduce the severity of climate change by cutting greenhouse gas emissions, funding vital wildlife data collection and habitat restoration in coastal areas, and even enhancing marine life habitats through a nature-based design approach.

Several horseshoe crabs rest on the sand near the bay, as a sun sets in the background.
Safeguarding Nature Delaware is home to many unique plants and animals, like horseshoe crabs, whose habitats would be better protected from climate change overtime with offshore wind. © George Steinmetz
× Several horseshoe crabs rest on the sand near the bay, as a sun sets in the background.
Five children hold hands and run into the ocean with their backs turned to the camera.
× Five children hold hands and run into the ocean with their backs turned to the camera.
Safeguarding Nature Delaware is home to many unique plants and animals, like horseshoe crabs, whose habitats would be better protected from climate change overtime with offshore wind. © George Steinmetz

Clean Energy Benefits Clean Air

Clean energy is also better for public health. Air pollution, often caused by burning fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions, is a known trigger for asthma and respiratory diseases. Delaware and the nation would breathe easier with offshore wind and other clean energy build-outs.

An 800 MW offshore wind project in Delaware would reduce carbon emissions by 2.7 to 3.7 million tons during the lifetime of the project. (Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control 2023 Implementation Report).

Offshore Wind Benefits the Economy

  • A group of people in construction gear stand around documents

    Skilled Employment at Every Step

    Developing offshore wind off the coast of Delaware will provide a full range of skilled jobs, from electricians, construction workers, design, manufacturing, installation and other technical skills. And the jobs won’t end when construction is done.

  • A building with greenery growing off the balconies.

    New Companies and Business Opportunities

    Wind power doesn’t exist in a vacuum. An offshore project would become a key part of our industrial ecosystem—supporting and being supported by other sectors.

  • Wind turbines spin against a pink sky.

    Energy Independence

    Wind energy promises to reduce our reliance on imported fossil fuels and enhance national security.

  • A small island sits in the middle of an ocean.

    Global Evidence

    Implemented across the world, wind energy projects have become key global economic drivers.

  • A view from the sky of beach with several people near the waterline.

    Investments in Critical Coastal Infrastructure

    Offshore wind projects can provide critical funding to benefit coastal community infrastructure.

Our Window of Opportunity is Now. Here's How to Take Action.

You can help bring cleaner energy to Delaware and protect our environment by staying informed.

Supporting Offshore Wind is as Easy as 1-2-3.

  1. Stay informed

    Check our LinkedIn page for updates. TNC Delaware LinkedIn Page.

  2. Stay connected

    Share our Impact of Wind Factsheet and your support of offshore wind with others. Impact of Wind Factsheet.

  3. Speak up for the environment

    Join other TNC volunteers in making your voice heard in Dover. To learn more, Emily Knearl, Delaware Director of Government Relations & External Affairs at Emily.Knearl@tnc.org. YOU can make a difference. Send an Email.

A wind turbine sits in the middle of a blue ocean.
Offshore Wind Offshore wind offers an opportunity to bring about an era of 100% renewable energy and a greener, cleaner and more prosperous future. © Ayla Fox

Contact Information

For questions or more information on offshore wind in Delaware, email Emily Knearl, TNC Delaware Director of Government Relations & External Affairs: Emily.Knearl@tnc.org.

Our work in Delaware

Dramatic view of the Delaware state capitol building. White clouds hang low over the colonial-style state house that features a tall spire rising above the front entrance.

Delaware Policy & Government Relations

Together we can advocate for and secure a more sustainable future for people and nature in Delaware.

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Delaware Oceans and Coasts

Learn how The Nature Conservancy in Delaware is working with communities along the Delaware coast to create coastal resiliency for people and nature.

Landscape view of golden grasses in a wetland.

Delaware's Melodic Migration

A study at TNC’s Milford Neck Preserve aims to quantify the Delaware Bay's significance as a stopover for migratory songbirds.

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