Southeastern Wind Coalition

06/16/2026

SEWC’s Karla Frias-Romaine reflects on the success of the 2026 Powering Louisiana Lunch & Learn Series, which brought together lawmakers, utilities, developers, and energy experts to discuss grid reliability, energy diversification, and Louisiana’s energy future.

With Louisiana securing more than $100 billion in new energy-intensive investments over the last two years, the series created a space for bipartisan conversations about the technologies that can help meet that growing power demand and need for energy diversification, including wind, solar, and nuclear.

06/15/2026

Wind energy has the power to reshape the world we live in today for the better by providing communities with more jobs, resilient energy solutions, and environmentally
responsible development.

On we are spreading the word, we need !

06/11/2026

This weekend, Rocky Forge Wind celebrated a milestone that was years in the making. Local leaders, state officials, business leaders, and landowners gathered at the project site to celebrate Virginia's first land-based wind farm and the historic partnership and long-lasting benefits that it will bring to Botetourt County.

According to Clean Energy, the facility is projected to generate up to $25 million in new property tax revenue for Botetourt County during its operating life. Company officials also reported that nearly $40 million has been spent with Virginia businesses during construction.

https://fincastleherald.com/rocky-forge-wind-marks-milestone-with-blade-signing-ceremony/

06/09/2026

Last year’s load shed event in Louisiana made it clear that a stronger, more reliable energy grid should be a top priority.

In the latest op-ed from SEWC’s Program Manager, Madelyn discusses how MISO’s South Load Pocket Risk Assessment is one of the critical steps Louisiana must take to ensure our families, businesses, and communities aren’t left in the dark again. Read the full piece now!

Louisiana’s grid needs regional planning, not political retreat

05/22/2026

🏡💲A Win-Win(d): In North Carolina, Apex Clean Energy's Timbermill Wind Farm is helping to offset nearly half of the proposed spending increase in the county's new budget.

Thanks to higher property values and about $700,000 annually in property tax payments from the wind farm, local leaders can cover much of the increased budget without relying as heavily on taxpayers.

05/12/2026

Savings & Stability: According to Dominion Energy, the 2.6-GW Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind farm could generate $5 billion in fuel savings over its first 10 years of operation.

According to Dominion Energy CEO Robert Blue, "CVOW remains one of the most affordable sources of energy for our customers."

Read more: https://www.utilitydive.com/news/dominion-upbeat-on-offshore-wind-as-cost-estimate-eases-sales-rise/819218/

05/01/2026

Madelyn Smith, SEWC’s Program Manager for Louisiana, recently returned from WindEurope 2026 in Madrid with a clear takeaway: the global wind industry is moving quickly, and the U.S. has an opportunity to be part of it.

For the first time ever, renewables generated more electricity than coal in 2025. In Europe, wind energy is not only about climate goals, it is also central to energy security, supported by strong coordination between government and industry.

Many of the challenges discussed felt familiar, including permitting, transmission, and community concerns. What stood out was the level of alignment and collaboration around solving the big issues.

Read more of the key takeaways:

For the past several years, SEWC has partnered with GNO Inc. to host Louisiana Wind Energy Week (LAWEW), a conference that brings together wind energy developers, advocates, and supply chain companies to advance the wind industry in Louisiana.

04/30/2026

SEWC President Katharine Kollins joined Living on Earth to discuss the real impacts of TotalEnergies' $1B lease settlement.

"It’s a dual blow to the taxpayer…paying back nearly $1B and facing higher long-term costs from a less diverse energy mix."

From immediate costs to long-term energy reliability, she explains what’s at stake for offshore wind and the U.S. energy future.

listen now at:

This week's Living on Earth, PRI's environmental news and information program. Full transcript with streaming and downloadable audio available.

04/29/2026

HB 677 is now law in Kentucky, creating new statewide restrictions on wind energy development.

The legislation sets new statewide limits on turbine height and siting, while preserving the ability of counties to set their own requirements.

What does this mean for investment, jobs, and the future of energy in the state? Learn more about it here: https://www.sewind.org/news/hb-677-kentucky-wind-energy-restrictions

04/28/2026

A new $20M Gulf Coast initiative is exploring how retired offshore oil & gas platforms can be repurposed for green hydrogen, aquaculture, and more.

For the Southeast, this highlights a major opportunity: using existing offshore infrastructure alongside growing renewable resources, especially wind energy, to create new economic uses and extend the life of these assets.

This approach supports job creation, innovation, and long-term value for coastal communities.

Learn more:

A new multi-state research and demonstration program aims to repurpose offshore oil and gas infrastructure for green hydrogen.