“We gather in Virginia Beach to rethink, redesign, and reignite offshore wind in America,” said Oceantic CEO Liz Burdock. “IPF is a time to celebrate industry accomplishments—of which there have been many in the last year. However, as we grapple with economic uncertainty and political turbulence, we must amplify the fundamental truths of offshore wind and ensure that elected officials and local communities alike understand that offshore wind isn’t optional; it’s necessary to keep America’s power on.”
Key insights include:
- Liz Burdock, CEO of Oceantic Network, urged attendees to meet the current moment with urgency and resolve. She acknowledged the political and economic challenges facing the offshore wind sector but emphasized that the industry remains “beyond shovel ready” and is essential to meeting growing electricity demand. Burdock highlighted Virginia’s leadership, praised bipartisan support in the region, and called for a reset that reimagines offshore wind as an indispensable part of America’s energy future.
- Robert M. Dyer, Mayor of Virginia Beach, praised the partnerships that offshore wind energy has brought to the region, highlighting quality jobs, economic benefits, and major investments in and around Virginia Beach because of the industry.
- Bon-Kyu Koo, President & CEO of LS Cable & System Ltd., spoke on what makes Virginia an ideal location for offshore wind manufacturing. His remarks came just a day after the company broke ground on its $700 million subsea cable manufacturing facility in Chesapeake, showcasing a significant, long-term investment that will employ hundreds of workers and deliver components for US and global offshore wind projects.
- Sam Eaton, President and CEO of RWE US Offshore Wind, spoke about the need to achieve clarity and parity so that offshore wind can become a mainstream technology in the US market. By making it easier to develop and operate offshore wind projects, the industry can deliver cost-competitive power and continued economic investment.
- Honorable Tim Houston, Premier of Nova Scotia, highlighted Nova Scotia’s goal to auction 5 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030, with its first call for bids expected later this year. This approach underscores the province’s commitment to regional and cross-border partnerships and offshore wind development that will advance its economic and energy future.
Professionals from around the globe have gathered for 2025 IPF, joining more than 200 expert speakers, hundreds of exhibitors, and dozens of networking events. This year’s conference is also hosting the first Ocean Renewables Summit on Wednesday, which is focused on emerging marine energy technologies such as wave, tidal, and floating solar. This follows Monday’s Central Atlantic Supplier Fair, where local businesses connected with Tier 1 suppliers, developers, and OEMs; two tours that showcased an operational offshore wind project and the local offshore wind supply chain, respectively; as well as a US Market Update, which provided critical insights and policy developments to help companies navigate challenges and create opportunities in the year ahead.
