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U.S. offshore wind permitting: the SAP. the COP, and the regulatory process in between
In this article, we deliver an overview of the U.S. permitting regime and our insight regarding the Construction and Operations Plan (COP), some of the associated challenges and potential solutions.
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Understanding the Project Design Envelope - U.S. offshore wind permitting
Submitted as part of a COP, a project design envelope allows lessees to outline a range of design parameters for their project. Adoption of this approach is optional, but the advantages make it well worth a developer’s time, effort, and investment!
U.S. offshore wind: Theory through to practice
As the size, complexity, and importantly the number of offshore wind projects across the U.S. increases, so do the challenges associated with defining, designing and managing these major infrastructure projects.
We recognize that the growth of the U.S. offshore wind industry is predominantly being driven by state level commitments, which places an even greater need for a clear and consistent approach.
From theory through to practice, we explore these challenges in more detail to demonstrate why RPS is the right partner to help navigate complex permitting and compliance activities for offshore wind farm developments in fast-growing markets.
Navigating the complex U.S. regulatory permitting regime
Environmental construction compliance
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Environmental compliance in U.S. offshore wind (with downloadable checklist)
Environmental compliance for offshore wind isn't limited to what happens in the COP. What compliance activities do developers need to know about and how can you plan them effectively? Download our handy checklist, focusing on federal permits.
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Environmental compliance in wind farm construction
Why is environmental compliance important in the construction stage and how can you stay in front of your responsibilities? Read on for some tips and learn how RPS approaches this challenge.
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Compliance Map
This environmental compliance management software solution eases the complexities of managing your EHS obligations. This intuitive solution organizes compliance obligations across multiple site locations in one centralized, online platform.
About us
RPS’ extensive offshore wind experience includes over 20 years at the forefront of the industry, working across the UK, wider Europe, the Americas, Australia, and Asia. We have worked on floating offshore wind and fixed foundation offshore wind projects, and we have deep experience in the provision of technical consultancy and operational support across the energy sector.
Capacity to meet our clients' needs
We employ some of the world's best offshore talent, with deep local and international expertise
RPS continues to grow to meet our clients’ needs - to ensure the best and most knowledgeable experts in the field are available to move the process of developing offshore wind projects forward, at pace, to meet future demand.
Deep expertise and capability
It has never been more important to be aware of the potential environmental impacts and regulatory requirements, to drive toward the right technical solutions.
We work with our clients, supporting them to navigate the complex federal and state permitting process. We deliver confident and reliable approaches, with the right resources to design pragmatic solutions to avoid permitting and regulatory bottlenecks.
Note: map not to scale
Shaping the current regulatory environment
Over the last 15 years, the U.S. market has moved through the offshore wind development cycle – from concept through to development planning. We’ve been there from the start, delivering strategic studies and R&D support to BOEM, to underpin the development of a sustainable industry, and more recently, supporting developers with robust scientific advice.
In the early phases of offshore wind development and planning, the services we've provided included: ecological services modeling; meteorological modeling to assess offshore wind farm siting; and developing environmental and monitoring protocols for BOEM and the states. A small selection of the projects we have delivered - across 24 lease and call out areas - is shown on this timeline and below.
Neptune: supporting marine mammal monitoring in offshore wind projects
Offshore wind developers are often required to monitor marine life in order to avoid negative impacts on marine mammals during construction. Passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) is one method used to achieve this.
RPS developed Neptune as a technological solution to support remote passive acoustic monitoring, as well non-biased detection and other benefits. Watch the video below to learn more about this patented predictive algorithm, including how Neptune uses AI.
How can we support your project? Contact us
David O'Hara
Senior Vice President
Keith Kurrus
General Manager MetOcean - NAm
Develop your career with RPS
RPS is keeping pace with a rapidly developing renewables industry across the Americas. We have several opportunities for talented consultants to join our team.
