Notably, TotalEnergies, Bluepoint Wind, and Golden State Wind have all canceled their offshore wind leases and have committed to investing in conventional fossil fuels. Outside of the US, European, South American, and Asia-Pacific marine renewable energy efforts have made progress in the development of offshore wind, tidal energy, and ocean thermal energy conversion.
Offshore decommissioning projects have been jostling for the news headlines in recent months, hinting at a new “green shoot” opportunity for offshore operators in the form of comprehensive environmental monitoring, compliance, and intervention services. Public policy has also shone a spotlight on decommissioning practices. The Plug Offshore Wells Act was reintroduced in April and would direct the US Department of the Interior to submit a report to Congress on the status of decommissioning offshore oil and gas wells, platforms, and pipelines.
In March, the US House of Representatives passed H.R. 2294, which reauthorizes the US Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) through 2030. Next, the bill must pass the Senate. IOOS is a network of regional observation systems that provides real-time data on ocean conditions. The reauthorization also includes updates to improve the program’s effectiveness and modernization efforts.
Spaces we’re watching: energy policy pivots, deep-water decommissioning, long-term marine monitoring
You’ll find news and insights on all the above in “the water column”—an exclusive editorial dedicated to giving our readers an alternate, bird’s eye view of the most significant happenings across the marine science, industry, and policy space. To keep abreast of all the latest developments, access the water column in print editions of eco magazine, nestled among the pages of Environmental Policy news, and in a monthly circulating digital edition found on LinkedIn and our website.
