Connecticut Governor Lamont, along with the Governors of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, announced New England’s first offshore wind multi-state coordination memorandum of understanding, which creates a pathway for a potential coordinated selection of offshore wind as each state solicits offshore wind energy generation through their respective state procurements. This MOU is the first of its kind in the United States.
“Our direct water access, network of deepwater ports, and long history of advanced manufacturing has made Connecticut a natural home for offshore wind,” Connecticut Chief Manufacturing Officer Paul Lavoie said. “The Connecticut Wind Collaborative will introduce even more collaboration and innovation into the state’s offshore wind economy. I look forward to sharing additional details on the collaborative and its activities.”
The newly launched Connecticut Wind Collaborative (CWC) will be made up of experts and stakeholders from across the public and private sectors, and it will be tasked with supporting the full range of offshore wind activities within the state. The CWC will execute many of the priority actions outlined in the strategic roadmap, as well as foster critical collaboration across the broader region.
- Research and development: Partnering with the state’s extensive network of innovative academic and investment institutions to promote research activities related to offshore wind.
- Workforce: Expand Connecticut’s existing workforce development programs to ensure that local workers – including those in historically disadvantaged communities – can prepare for and connect with high-quality jobs in the offshore wind industry.
- Supply chain: Increase regional capabilities and coordination across the offshore wind supply chain with a focus on resiliency, equity, and affordability.
- Infrastructure and real estate: Leverage Connecticut’s deepwater ports to expand the state’s offshore wind marshaling, operations and maintenance, and other support capabilities.
The roadmap summarizes Connecticut’s strengths, commitments, and investments in clean energy and offshore wind, and identifies four strategic pillars, each with priority actions to focus efforts going forward:
A coalition led by the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) in collaboration with the Office of the Governor, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), and several partner agencies, nonprofits, and industry groups developed Connecticut’s Offshore Wind Strategic Roadmap to accelerate the equitable and sustainable growth of the state’s offshore wind economy.
“Connecticut’s deepwater ports, direct water access, and long history of advanced manufacturing make our state a natural home for offshore wind projects serving all of New York and New England,” Governor Lamont said. “The offshore wind industry has the opportunity to create even more high-quality, well-paying jobs in Connecticut, and we want to make sure those jobs are created here. Our administration is focused on building an offshore wind ecosystem that boosts local economies while also providing families and industries with clean, reliable, and affordable power.”
