Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut: Offshore Wind Energy Forum Explores Clean Energy Economic Opportunities

Written By Chambers for Innovation
More than one hundred business executives joined the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut for a virtual forum that examined opportunities and impacts of offshore wind for the region. Featured presenters included:

  • Governor Ned Lamont who opened the forum by discussing the good paying jobs and economic benefits associated with offshore wind, while asserting his desire for Connecticut to be the center of offshore wind in the Northeast. 
  • Department of Energy and Environment Protection (DEEP) Commissioner Katie Dykes repeated the administration’s desire to become a hub for offshore wind and also discussed ISO New England and the Transportation Climate Initiative. 
  • New London Mayor, Michael Passero talked about the strong relationship the community has had with the sea and his excitement at New London being at the forefront of this clean energy industry. 
  • Offshore wind industry experts then lead discussions on the economic development opportunities of offshore wind energy, investments in local infrastructure, and workforce expansion and planning.

Other sessions of the forum covered various Connecticut offshore wind projects overviews; engineering, environment, and economic perspectives; and pier development.

A White House announcement on the 29th revealed a commitment to expand offshore wind power to 30 gigawatts by 2030. The administration detailed an ambitious plan to expand wind farms along the East Coast and jump-start the country’s nascent offshore wind industry. The promise to speed up permitting for offshore wind developments demonstrates the administration’s determination to create clean energy jobs. As national climate adviser Gina McCarthy said offshore wind power will generate “thousands of good-paying union jobs. This is all about creating great jobs in the ocean and in our port cities and in our heartland.” 

This announcement made it clear that Connecticut is at the forefront of this clean energy opportunity. 

“Gaining an understanding of this unique economic driver is essential for eastern Connecticut,” said Tony Sheridan, Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut president and CEO. “Our region has natural assets and a manufacturing base that position us well to benefit from this burgeoning industry. We are pleased to be able to bring together this forum and have conversations exploring this opportunity and the potential long-term impacts.”
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Chambers for Innovation