One of the key features of future offshore wind (OSW) generation on the east coast is its role in relieving congestion.  Generally speaking, as most of us know, power flows like the weather...from west to east.  Low-priced (coal-based) power in the midwest is pushed to the east to serve population-dense load centers.  The limits of that push are tested frequently, due to transmission constraints.

Off-shore wind power generators will "attack (the problem) from east to west", by delivering energy and, to a degree, capacity directly to the areas that need it.  This precludes the potential need for some amount of transmission investment.  What's more, there could exist a mini-offshore grid to deliver power between "linked" OSW assets to the urban centers (e.g. NYC, LI) that need energy and capacity.

Thoughts?

GenMetrix provides power plant valuation and power market consulting and is also the parent company of Tech Valley Webs, a company providing website design in Albany, NY.