Shows
The Offshore Energy PodcastSea Change: How Policies, Laws, and Regulations Shape America's Offshore Energy FutureSend us a textThe landscape governing offshore energy development is undergoing seismic shifts, leaving industry insiders searching for clear paths forward. In this thought-provoking episode, Jim and Ian are joined by two prominent energy attorneys – Laura Smith-Morton from Perkins Coie and Tyler Johnson from Bracewell – who bring decades of experience navigating the complex relationships between governments and private developers.The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) takes center stage as we examine how environmental reviews have evolved over five decades. Recent attempts to streamline these reviews have been followed by court challenges and regulatory reversals, crea...2025-05-051h 12The Offshore Energy PodcastMaritime Backbone: The Vessels Powering Offshore EnergySend us a textAmerica's maritime dominance has quietly eroded over decades, with our ocean-going commercial fleet shrinking from nearly 3,000 ships in 1960 to just a few hundred today. Meanwhile, China's fleet has exploded to over 9,000 vessels. This stark contrast sets the stage for our fascinating conversation with Aaron Smith, President of the Offshore Marine Service Association (OMSA; offshoremarine.org), who brings us inside the world of vessels powering our offshore energy sector.Aaron reveals how the offshore vessel industry began with repurposed shrimp boats and mothballed WWII vessels before evolving into purpose-built technological marvels. Today's...2025-04-1459 minThe Offshore Energy PodcastBillion Dollar Bets: Navigating Offshore Energy Project FinanceSend us a textWhat happens when you bring a billion dollars to the high-stakes world of offshore energy development? According to Allan Marks, one of the world's foremost experts on project finance, success depends on navigating a complex web of technical challenges, regulatory frameworks, and financial structures tailored to fundamentally different risk profiles.Offshore energy development—whether wind turbines or oil platforms—faces universal challenges. Projects must withstand harsh marine environments, secure federal permits across multiple agencies, use specialized vessels, and construct elaborate transmission networks to bring energy ashore. Yet beneath these similarities lie stri...2025-03-241h 13The Offshore Energy PodcastDoes Every Administration Flip Create Years of Offshore Energy Development Chaos?Send us a textFor decades, oil and gas development in the Gulf of Mexico represented a model of political and regulatory predictability for all the world – companies knew that regardless of which party held power, following the rules meant projects could move forward. Today, that certainty has vanished, with each new administration seemingly determined to reverse course on energy priorities. This volatility creates massive challenges for industries where planning horizons stretch decades beyond presidential terms.In this episode, hosts Jim Bennett and Ian Voparil are joined by Jon Hrobski, Policy Director at Brownstein Hyatt Fa...2025-03-101h 08The Offshore Energy PodcastIn the Shadows of Giant TurbinesSend us a textIn this episode, hosts Jim Bennett and Ian Voparil delve into wake effects in offshore wind energy, exploring how they influence turbine efficiency and ocean circulation. We are joined by Jessica O'Connor from DNV and Dr. Kaus Raghukumar from Integral Consulting and together, we unpack the implications for farm layout, system controls, project economics, and even the ramifications for policy. Our discussion highlights the need for innovative modeling to optimize offshore wind projects and further scientific exploration of the coupling between the atmosphere and oceans.• Discussion of wake effects and their sign...2025-02-1735 minThe Offshore Energy PodcastTrump's Energy Executive Orders & MemorandaSend us a textIn this latest episode, Jim Bennett and Ian Voparil analyze the immediate impact of Trump's executive actions on the offshore energy sector. We dive into the presidential memorandum halting wind leasing, explore the historical context behind these changes, and discuss how the industry can navigate the new economic challenges and shifting political landscape. • Examination of Trump's executive orders and their implications • Discussion on the temporary halt of wind leasing and its impact • Historical parallels with previous administration actions • Importance of balancing energy sources in the national narrative • Role of the Secr...2025-02-1046 minThe Offshore Energy PodcastThe Offshore Energy Quiz ShowSend us a textIn this episode, our hosts Jim Bennett and Ian Voparil try their luck in a quiz show format - testing each others' knowledge of offshore energy jargon and trivia. Along the way, we highlight misconceptions, delve into technical jargon, and talk about critical regulatory frameworks. We also get a couple of the questions wrong, so tell us where we've made a mistake and see if you'd do better! We are always learning. • Explanation of BSEE vs. BOEM and their roles • Breakdown of lease sale auctions and bidding processes • Insight into wind fa...2025-01-271h 09The Offshore Energy PodcastIs Something Wrong with the Way We Do PPAs?Send us a textSpecial guest John Dalton of Power Advisory joins Jim Bennett and Ian Voparil to discuss the recent spate of offshore wind project cancellations and power purchase agreement renegotiations. We highlight the challenges faced by developers and states in navigating procurement processes, allocating risk, and keeping costs down for ratepayers. The discussion underscores the need for flexibility in pricing structures to adapt to changing market conditions and the importance of local benefits to stabilize the future of offshore renewable energy.We discuss:• Comparison between real estate development and offshore wind projects ...2025-01-2048 minThe Offshore Energy PodcastCutting Through the Red Tape For Green Offshore EnergySend us a textWhat if the key to unlocking offshore energy potential lies in cutting through the red tape? Explore this intriguing possibility with industry veterans Jim Bennett and Ian Voparil, who promise to illuminate the often slow and tangled world of regulatory rulemaking and implementation phases, especially in offshore wind development. Join us as we dissect the complexities and propose innovative solutions to reduce regulatory timelines without sacrificing environmental and social integrity. From navigating multi-agency approvals to examining the pressures on staff capacity caused by burgeoning projects, we cover it all: FAST 41, the p...2024-12-2131 minThe Offshore Energy PodcastThe Promise and Pitfalls of Ambitious GoalsSend us a textThe Biden Administration set ambitious targets for America's offshore energy future with 30 GW of offshore wind by 2030. Listen in as industry veterans Jim Bennett and Ian Voparil discuss how these targets influence public perception, the allocation of government and private resources, and clarity of the path to market needed to secure investments in this next wave of offshore energy development.Drawing parallels with historic endeavors, like the U.S. Mission to the Moon and the Interstate Highway System, we investigate how goals, strategic planning, and standardization have historically paved the way...2024-12-0642 minThe Offshore Energy PodcastTrump ReturnsSend us a textIn this episode, Jim Bennett and Ian Voparil dissect the implications of Trump's presidency on U.S. offshore oil, gas, and wind sectors. The next administration's focus on American energy dominance and deregulation should spark a surge in Gulf of Mexico oil&gas activities, as much as national policies can put wind in the sails of a global commodity. On the other hand, Trump's win has offshore wind supporters holding their breath, waiting to see if campaign comments get translated into policies that will slow or stop the growing sector. Get an...2024-11-2043 minThe Offshore Energy PodcastCaution, Elections Ahead.Send us a textWith the backdrop of the US election season, our hosts Jim Bennett and Ian Voparil lay bare the challenges of aligning campaign rhetoric with the realities of energy policy implementation, and how the economic importance of the Gulf of Mexico can steady the tides through political upheavals. Are the same conditions in place for offshore wind?We challenge the misconception that energy policy must choose between fossil fuels and renewables, advocating for a balanced approach that draws strength from both. Consider how executive orders, budget processes, and litigation shape project timelines, w...2024-11-0230 minThe Offshore Energy PodcastUnlocking Careers in Offshore WindSend us a textPosition yourself at the forefront of one of the most dynamic sectors in the US economy - offshore wind. Whether you're a recent graduate or contemplating a career change, explore the essential roles of STEM, communication, and finance in this burgeoning field.Hosted by Ian Voparil and Jim Bennett, our kickoff episode guides you through the transformative opportunities of offshore wind. With projections of creating up to 40,000 full-time jobs in the next decade, offshore wind needs you!Journey with us as we explore the pathways to a rewarding career i...2024-10-2724 min
The Offshore Energy PodcastTrailer - who us?Send us a textWelcome to The Offshore Energy Podcast with Jim and Ian!Dive into the thrilling world of offshore energy with your hosts, Jim and Ian! 🌊⚡️ With decades of combined experience, these two industry veterans bring a unique blend of expertise, humor, and captivating stories from the high seas of offshore energy innovation. In this trailer, we talk about the experiences that have shaped our vision for responsible, sustainable, economic offshore development. Whether you’re an industry expert or just starting to learn about offshore energy, The Offshore En...2024-10-2204 min