New joint venture aims to 'strengthen the US offshore wind supply chain' in manufacturing and ports
New York-based Empire Energy announces partnership with Herrick on manufacturing of fixed and floating foundations, towers, and transition pieces as well as services
Recently formed Empire Energy Partners and longstanding West Coast steel fabricator Herrick Corporation have formed a joint venture (JV) to explore domestic manufacturing of monopiles, transition pieces, towers, and secondary steel for both fixed and floating offshore wind projects, the companies announced Monday.
Herrick in Stockton, California has been in business over a century, but this is its first foray into offshore wind.
“This joint venture marks a critical milestone in our ongoing efforts to strengthen the U.S. offshore wind supply chain,” said Mike Milledge, senior director of offshore wind at Empire Energy Partners.
“By combining our expertise with Herrick Corporation's industry-leading steel manufacturing capabilities, we are well-positioned to support the nation's renewable energy goals with a focus on quality, scalability, and sustainability.”
Robert Hazleton, Herrick CEO said: “The ability to combine engineering, procurement and fabrication at scale into a single entity is the key to cost-effective domestic production of floating bases and monopiles.”
The US offshore wind supply chain is ramping as 15GW of approved capacity lines up for installation through the rest of decade.
The laboratory under the Department of Energy estimates at least $22bn will be needed “to establish the US offshore wind supply chain.”
The partners are looking at several market segments, including manufacturing of essential components such as blades and towers, but also port infrastructure and services.
Empire Energy Offshore and Herrick Corporation “combine strengths in engineering, manufacturing, and construction to offer end-to-end solutions” to meet the needs of the industry, the partners said.
“This is an important partnership that leverages American steel production to expand the US supply chain and, with the company’s location on the West Coast, open the door to floating component manufacturing,” said Ross Gould, vice president of supply chain development and research at industry group Oceantic Network.
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