Montclair State, Wind Farm Co. Launch Clean Energy Partnership

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Ørsted U.S. Offshore Wind will support clean energy research and educational outreach activities at Montclair State University via a new partnership with the school, administrators say.

MSU officials announced the new collaboration and signed a memorandum of understanding last week with Ørsted, which operates the Block Island Wind Farm, “America’s first offshore wind farm.”

Ørsted was selected by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities in June 2019 to develop the state’s first offshore wind farm. Located 15 miles off the coast of Atlantic City, the 1,100 MW wind farm will reportedly create more than 3,000 direct jobs annually during construction and power more than 500,000 homes in the state.

• See related article: Ørsted To Update Ocean City On Offshore Wind Farm

Under the agreement with MSU, a $200,000 contribution from Ørsted will aid in the advancement of energy research initiatives at the university, as well as the development of educational events, stakeholder engagement activities and STEM programming for elementary, middle and high school students.

It will also boost the university’s Clean Energy and Sustainability Analytics Center (CESAC), a public research and technical assistance center, identifies, quantifies and interprets the ramifications of clean energy development and to facilitate energy planning. The center also provides support for clean energy policies, technologies and practices through research and education programs.

“Montclair State University has quickly established itself as an innovator relating to the research and assessment of clean and sustainable energy solutions,” said Thomas Brostrøm, CEO of Ørsted U.S. Offshore Wind. “We are pleased to partner with them as we continue to make progress with our Ocean Wind project.”

“Partnerships with leading corporations in the energy sector, such as Ørsted, provide mutually beneficial synergies and much-needed resources that help us educate students and expand both research and outreach initiatives,” said Susan Cole, president of Montclair State University.

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Don’t forget to visit the Patch Montclair Facebook page. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Sign up for Patch email newsletters.