South Charlotte Today

The North Carolina Department of Commerce said in August that it hired London-based BVG Associates to assist with the promotion of offshore wind development for the state.

With offices in Richmond and around the world, BVG Associates agreed to help the Department of Commerce research and develop an inventory of businesses, organizations and physical infrastructure for that purpose, commerce officials said in an Aug. 11 news release. 

“Moving to a clean energy economy will bring new jobs and economic growth to North Carolina,” North Carolina Commerce Secretary Anthony Copeland said in the release. “The Commerce Department’s study will gather the information and insights we need to prepare our infrastructure and our workforce for the future opportunities this promising industry offers us.”

The North Carolina offshore wind supply chain and infrastructure report that is to be developed is expected to help show the ways North Carolina can be most competitive in the market.

"North Carolina is well-positioned to support utility-scale wind energy," Executive Director of the Commerce’s Office of Science, Technology and Innovation John Hardin said in the release. "The new study will help us focus our efforts on the segments of the industry that are well matched to the strengths of our state."