The aim is to understand the challenges and benefits in developing offshore wind. This includes the effect on the grid, technologies that are likely to be required, and the impact on consumers. Information gleaned from the study will be handed to utility planners and policy makers.
AWS will simulate wind generation profiles for three hypothetical wind farms using wind prediction models.
Speaking about the project, Duke Energy vice president Chrisopher Fallon said: "Our goal is to fully understand how the abundant wind resource off the coast of the Carolinas – and North Carolina, in particular – can help reshape our long-term energy outlook.
"We’ve assembled a project team with tremendous expertise and talent, and we look forward to sharing the results of our study with interested parties in the Carolinas and throughout the country."
