A science panel advising Gov. Beverly Perdue on offshore energy development says oil and gas drilling is unlikely in waters within North Carolina’s authority, but the coast has some of the best East Coast locations for wind power.
“The offshore-wind industry may offer significant opportunities for renewable energy generation and for economic development and job creation,” the panel said in the report. “North Carolina’s extensive coastline and large offshore wind resources appear to make it a prime area for offshore wind development.”
Perdue’s office on Wednesday released the report submitted to her office more than four months ago.
The report said much more exploration is needed to determine if significant offshore oil or natural gas deposits are accessible, but if there is it will be in federally-controlled waters. For geological and business reasons, waters off other East Coast states appear more promising.
The report says without congressional changes, North Carolina would not see any royalties from future drilling.
The panel urged lawmakers to promote offshore wind power with appropriate laws and regulations.
Read the full report here.
Get the latest news alerts: Follow WRAL Tech Wire at Twitter.
