OEP is a new global non-profit that accelerates the global clean energy transition by unlocking the tremendous potential of offshore wind power.
Offshore wind is an energy and climate solution, with the potential to play a major role both in delivering the tripling of renewables called for so far by more than 120 countries at COP28, and through driving economic growth and bolstering energy security. Offshore wind represents a unique opportunity for many countries to build a new clean energy industry, and create a durable economic alternative to fossil fuel dependency.
To achieve net-zero emissions globally, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) forecasts the need for 2,000 gigawatts of offshore wind by 2050. However, policy, regulatory, and supply chain barriers are constraining the immense potential of this technology. A sustainable scale-up means delivering jobs and prosperity alongside enhanced ocean ecosystems.
Through support from the global wind industry and climate philanthropy, Ocean Energy Pathway will accelerate offshore wind development over the next decade in at least ten markets with significant wind resources at the frontier of the energy transition, including India, Brazil, Colombia, and South Africa.
Built upon multi-stakeholder collaboration in each country, OEP delivers programmes through a two-pronged approach: providing technical assistance and advisory services to governments; and coalition-building and advocacy with local and global civil society partners. These efforts create investable conditions tailored to each country’s unique circumstances – ensuring that offshore wind can thrive.
“Targets are great, but as we learned building the UK's landmark Offshore Wind Sector deal, the transition will be delivered in practice by the kind of smart, patient and strategic work done by organisations like OEP that can work between industry, politicians and citizens to build support, developed shared strategies and invest at pace to unblock regulatory and investment barriers to accelerated deployment of clean technologies” said Rt. Hon. Claire O’Neill, Former UK Minister of Energy and Clean Growth
Ben Backwell, Chief Executive Officer, GWEC, added that offshore wind will deliver transformational change in every region of the world and that to do this collaboration and cooperation must be at the centre of a laser-focused effort to deploy hundreds of gigawatts of clean renewable energy in a relatively short time frame.
“To achieve this vision, industry and government must work hand-in-glove with local communities at the heart of this new energy system” said Mr Backwell. “Ocean Energy Pathway’s work bringing these various stakeholders together will be crucial in the world staying on course to achieve its net zero goals. We’re very proud of GWEC’s foundational role and leadership in establishing this new initiative.”
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