Executive Summary: Offshore Wind’s Role in Meeting Emerging Grid Reliability Challenges

White Paper

This executive summary synthesizes findings from two previously published Charles River Associates analyses and finds that the U.S. grid is entering a period of heightened reliability and affordability risk driven by rapid load growth, aging infrastructure, and shifting winter peak demand. Across multiple markets, offshore wind delivers measurable reliability value by producing during high-risk winter hours, bypassing fuel and transmission constraints, and providing cost-competitive, fuel-free capacity when evaluated as part of a balanced resource portfolio. The research concludes that offshore wind is not a standalone solution, but a critical complement to natural gas and other resources for maintaining grid reliability, affordability, and energy security as demand accelerates.