The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut, alongside Eversource and Ørsted, commissioned a report done by McAllister Marine Engineering LLC, Embracing the Potential of Offshore Wind in Connecticut: A Study of Opportunities and Challenges, that offers recommendations for the state to better harness the benefits of the offshore wind industry, emphasizing the state’s deep-water ports, stellar supply chain, manufacturing ability, and skilled workforce. “The report highlights the economic opportunities available and our advantages in attracting those opportunities, and challenges that can keep the state from realizing the maximum potential offered by offshore wind power,” says The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut President and CEO, Tony Sheridan.
Offshore wind is already an increasingly sought after source of renewable energy as the price continues to drop and many states like CT make clean energy goals. Existing wind farms, Revolution Wind in New London, developed by Eversource and Orsted, and Park City Wind in Bridgeport, developed by Avangrid Renewables and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, offer the region economic development opportunities, job growth, and increased revenue. A big advocate for renewable and sustainable energy, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont said, “We are encouraged by the fact that we have the assets in place to secure Connecticut’s role as a leader in the offshore wind industry and renewable energy.” Also saying, “We look forward to supporting our private sector partners as we further strengthen our position in this emerging industry and maximize its benefits to the environment, job growth, economic development and our future as a state.”
Sheridan said the report offers a “detailed analysis of the industry and a guide for businesses looking to expand by pivoting from their current operations to add the billion-dollar offshore wind industry to their portfolios.” Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA) even featured the report on their website, highlighting CT’s need to leverage offshore wind opportunities.
Report highlights include:
- Deep water ports, unobstructed access to open water, the aerospace industry, and high-tech supply chain serving submarine manufacturers make CT a superior location for offshore wind
- Many pre-existing manufacturing businesses have the potential to grow their business with new demand
- The prevalent aerospace industry features highly skilled workers in electrical discharge machining, a skill set also used in the complex geometries of each wind turbine
- CT cannot succeed and thrive alone, it truly is a regional effort
- European developers may choose to utilize their existing non-U.S. based manufacturing facilities if there is a lack of support, or fierce competition, resulting in the loss of potential new jobs, and economic development opportunities
With thousands of new jobs and billions of dollars of new investments on the line, the report makes it clear, the time is now, and the “once in a generation” opportunity is here. CT must leverage the offshore wind industry and work within the region to secure a better, cleaner, and more prosperous future and economy for all.
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Learn more, check out the full report here
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