The action plan contains more than 50 recommendations across five categories that each address a specific transmission development need. Most of the recommendations are designed for implementation by state governments, federal agencies, and private developers.
One of the five high-level recommendations includes planning and operations, proposing a long-term plan using a phased and flexible approach for transmission development that will achieve the greatest economic benefit while making the best use of early transmission investments.
The action plan also underscores the importance of partnerships and collaborations including collaboration between multiple states and improved inter-agency coordination, and the importance of ensuring that decisions related to offshore wind respect Tribal sovereignty and Tribal rights.
Furthermore, the plan highlights standardisation and supporting a domestic supply chain as one of the main points, recommending coordinated efforts by government and industry on technology standardisation.
Siting and permitting of transmission infrastructure, including offshore transmission corridors, is also among the high-level recommendations. A strong foundation of environmental research and development is needed to inform the siting of offshore transmission corridors; minimise impacts during project planning, construction, operation, and decommissioning; and establish effective long-term monitoring, according to the plan.
DOE, in partnership with BOEM, developed the Action Plan with funding from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).