Balance of Resources Including Offshore Wind Could Help Maintain Stability and Economic Growth in Nation’s Largest Grid System

Washington, D.C. — A new report from electricity market analysts Charles River Associates (CRA) finds that offshore wind could help address growing affordability and reliability concerns as advanced manufacturing, electrification, heavy industry and data centers place unprecedented demands on PJM’s grid. The report was commissioned by Turn Forward and released today through its Energy Research Exchange.

Power demand on the nation’s largest grid system is currently growing five times faster than PJM’s historical average. Left unaddressed, experts foresee a 7.8GW shortfall by 2033— equivalent to 25% of the peak electricity needs of the State of New York. Meeting that urgent demand challenge and ensuring Americans have access to affordable and reliable power requires expanding available homegrown energy sources, including offshore wind.

“The scale of demand growth we’re seeing right now is unprecedented, and PJM’s 67 million customers deserve every tool available to maintain electric reliability and affordability,” said Turn Forward Executive Director Hillary Bright. “This report makes clear that proven, utility-scale resources like offshore wind can make a vital difference in the race to strengthen one of our nation’s most critical power systems.”

The new report outlines how utility-scale offshore wind generation can enhance PJM’s reliability. For comparison, the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Project in development generates as much capacity as a large natural gas plant or small nuclear facility. Building on PJM’s current resource mix, including natural gas, nuclear, coal, renewables, and hydropower, CRA found that offshore wind can help:

  • Lower the risk of blackouts during periods of peak demand;
  • Perform strongly when the grid is most stressed, particularly during evening hours and winter months;
  • Enhance defense readiness by ensuring reliable power for critical military capabilities;
  • Secure the grid—CRA estimates that tripling current offshore wind deployment could reduce outage risk by 40 percent.

“It’s time to apply the same creative mindset driving our innovation economy toward addressing the growing gaps on our electrical grid,” concluded Bright. “Energy solutions like offshore wind can play an important role in the diverse energy portfolio that is needed to ensure PJM can help propel this vital region’s economic growth.”

You can read the full report here.

##
The report was commissioned by Turn Forward’s Energy Research Exchange, an initiative dedicated to advancing clear, credible, and nonpartisan insights on the most pressing energy challenges facing the United States today. By bringing together expertise from across the energy ecosystem, the Exchange aims to bridge the gap between complex research and accessible, practical understanding. For media inquires, contact media@turnforward.org.