On October 7th, UNC Charlotte’s Division of Research and the CLEANcarolinas team welcomed the Danish Wind Energy Advisory (WEA), a specialized team from The Trade Council of Denmark, and a delegation of leading Danish offshore wind companies to Charlotte. The WEA assists Danish onshore and offshore wind companies and manufacturers with strategic analysis, planning, and business development in the North American market. 

The two-day event explored offshore wind-related business opportunities in the Carolinas, including developing a regional OSW manufacturing supply chain. Denmark is widely recognized for its extensive knowledge and expertise within the wind industry. 

Dr. John Daniels, Vice Chancellor of Research and CLEANcarolinas’ Program Director provided an overview of the CLEANcarolinas initiative, a National Science Foundation development “innovation engine” led by UNC Charlotte, followed by presentations from the Energy Production and Infrastructure Center (EPIC), Clemson University, SC and NC Departments of Commerce, Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, Central South Carolina Alliance, South Carolina Research Authority, SC Nexus, Xodus Group and Gulf Wind Technology. 

Offshore wind lease holders TotalEnergies, Dominion Energy, and Avangrid gave updates on their current development plans for the Carolinas. Discussions also focused on recent OSW technical and regulatory challenges. 

The two-day event included tours of Siemens Energy, a global leader in energy technologies, and Southwire Industries, one of North America's largest wire and cable producers supporting the transmission and distribution of electricity.