CT Continues Push For Offshore Wind Power With Multi-State Partnership

HARTFORD, CT — A new multi-state partnership on wind power and a public-private group dubbed the Connecticut Wind Collaborative are part of the state's efforts to continue development of the offshore wind industry, according to Gov. Ned Lamont.

“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,” Lamont said in a statement. “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.”

Lamont, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey, and Rhode Island Gov. Daniel McKee announced New England’s first offshore wind multi-state coordination memorandum of understanding. The move is the first of its kind in the country.

The DEEP will join the two other states to request bids from offshore wind developers in early 2024 as part of the state’s effort to "secure the affordable and reliable clean energy mix that Connecticut needs to achieve the statutory target of 100% zero-carbon electricity by 2040 and ensure the reliability of the electric grid."

The newly launched Connecticut Wind Collaborative will be made up of industry experts and stakeholders in the public and private sectors and will be tasked with supporting offshore wind activities across the state.

In addition, Lamont released a strategic roadmap for offshore wind power development. The plan includes expanding the state's workforce development programs, investing in research and development, increasing regional supply chain capacities, and utilizing the state's deepwater ports to expand offshore wind marshaling, operations and maintenance, and other support capabilities.

“Offshore wind is an important tool in our toolbox to provide clean, affordable, and reliable energy to the residents and businesses of Connecticut, and to achieve our statutory target of 100% zero-carbon electricity by 2040,” DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said in a statement.

Lamont made the announcement at New London's State Pier on Wednesday, which would play a role in the Revolution Wind project to generate wind power for both Connecticut and Rhode Island in the coming years, according to NBC CT. The state has invested heavily in the project along with Danish company Ørsted and utility company Eversource.