Conference explores wind energy

What: 2012 Southeastern Coastal Wind Conference
When: Thursday and Friday, March 8 and 9
Where: Charlotte Convention Center at 501 S. College St. in Charlotte
Information: The Southeast has the potential to be the long-term leader in East Coast wind energy supply chain and development. The region's offshore wind resource is second to none. Come to network with decision makers in the region and learn what makes the southeastern U.S. unique. For more information, go to secoastalwind.org.

North Carolina has the largest offshore wind resource on the East Coast. Join stakeholders from across Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia as they educate industry leaders and decision makers about the costs, benefits and policy options that will drive wind energy development in our area. The 2012 Southeastern Coastal Wind Conference gives industry leaders, policy makers and developers a chance to plan the future of wind energy in the Southeast.
The conference will highlight the many advantages of the Southeastern United States for wind energy, including:
• The largest offshore wind resource on the East Coast;
• Existing, low-cost supply chain infrastructure;
• Highly skilled, affordable labor; and;
• Strong electricity demand that continues to grow.
Breakout sessions will focus on market and policy issues, regional highlights, and manufacturing and supply chain resources. While the event will cover both land-based and offshore wind energy, the primary focus will be on offshore wind.
Some of the confirmed speakers include:
• Jim Lanard, President, Offshore Wind Development Coalition
• Chris Hart, Offshore Wind Manager, U.S. Department of Energy
• Bruce Bailey, President and CEO, AWS Truepower
• Joel Whitman, CEO, Global Marine Energy
• Dan Renshaw, Director of Development, Gamesa Energy USA
• Fara Courtney, Executive Director, US Offshore Wind Collaborative
• Elizabeth Kress, Principal Engineer, Santee Cooper
• Targeted manufacturers seminars hosted by GLWN and BlueGreen Alliance
• A world-class panel discussion including offshore developers, land-based developers, and the Atlantic Wind Connection.
To learn more about the event and to signup, visit secoastalwind.org. For the complete agenda, click here.