Offshore Wind: Tourism and Property Value Benefits

Offshore wind turbines can produce abundant energy in a safe and cost-efficient manner while reducing pollution. Evidence suggests that offshore wind turbines also have minimal to no impacts on property values and encourages tourism. Concerns about these issues are understandable for an industry that is relatively new to the U.S., but studies strongly indicate their effect on property values and tourism will be neutral to positive.

Key Takeaways:

• Studies show that there are very few negative effects on tourism and property values from offshore wind farms. Instead, tourists are drawn to coastal areas to see these innovative clean energy facilities firsthand.
• With new farms come new experiences—and new tourists: sightseeing flights or boat tours, informational centers, and viewing platforms are built, attracting a host of new tourists.
• Most beachgoers say they would be unaffected or positively affected by the presence of offshore wind farms. A survey from the University of Delaware that focused on offshore wind’s impact on 1,725 beachgoers’ experience found that the impact was minuscule.