Texas offshore wind ready to be developed; conferences streamline business opportunities

Aug. 12, 2010 - PRLog -- Houston, TX –  The Texas Offshore Wind Energy Roundtable (TOWER) and the Offshore Wind Law (OWL) conferences come ashore in Houston on Oct. 19-22, 2010 at Hotel Derek to explore the unique Texas marketplace and to move pacesetting companies toward action in the Gulf of Mexico.

Texas was an independent republic until 165 years ago, allowing the state to control its own electric grid, its own regulatory structure, and its offshore lands.  That status sets the Lone Star State as an emerging 21st century leader in the Americas offshore wind energy and creates streamlined business opportunities.

Texas already leads the Americas with more than 10,000 megawatts (MW) of installed onshore wind energy capacity.  Offshore, the General Land Office (GLO) has issued eight leases covering more than 220 square miles (more than 140,000 acres) that are anticipated to evolve into more than 3,500 MW by 2020.  The first Texas offshore test turbine will be operational by 2011.  GLO offshore wind energy leases offer sites along the full length of the Texas coastline, from Port Arthur on the Louisiana border to Port Isabel at the Rio Grande.

TOWER features the policymakers and project developers who have authority over Texas offshore development, and will combine the experience of the European offshore wind energy industry, the Gulf and European offshore oil industry, and the streamlined business opportunities of the Texas offshore wind industry.  TOWER offers unparalleled networking opportunities with state and business decision-makers as Texas prepares for action in the America’s first gigawatt-scale offshore wind locale.

OWL will provide attorneys with a crucial understanding of the unique combination of laws governing Texas offshore wind energy development and how those laws make Texas a streamlined market opportunity.  Offshore wind energy development lies at the intersection of many bodies of law – international, maritime, energy, contracts & more.  

Texas offshore wind energy commercial opportunities are likely to be the most massive in the Americas and its regulatory processes the most streamlined.

TOWER and OWL are jointly organized by the German American Chamber of Commerce and the Texas Wind Energy Clearinghouse, with the active leadership participation of the GLO.

For more information please visit www.tower-conference.com.

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About the German American Chamber of Commerce
The German Chamber Network (AHK) provides experience, connections, and services worldwide through 120 locations in 80 countries. The German American Chamber of Commerce of the Southern US (GACC South), Texas office, works mainly with companies in the energy sector, especially in Renewable Energies and Energy Efficiency and organizes several annual conferences and other events in these fields. www.gacctexas.com

About the Texas Wind Energy Clearinghouse
The Texas Wind Energy Clearinghouse works with its members to provide many services to the Texas industry, including organizing several annual conferences across the state; promoting the state’s capabilities through USA & international media; participating in trade shows in the USA, North America, and Europe; assisting domestic and international manufacturing & service company expansions; and more. www.texaswindclearinghouse.us