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Ørsted, New England’s leader in offshore wind energy, has announced that it has committed $4 million to support cutting-edge environmental research at the University of Connecticut’s Avery Point campus and Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) as part of its proposed Starboard Wind project.
This funding underscores Ørsted’s commitment to advancing clean energy and fostering academic research and education in Connecticut. If Starboard Wind is selected to move forward in Connecticut, Ørsted will provide the following:
$2.5 million to UConn Avery Point to establish an interdisciplinary environmental research program that will study the relationship between offshore wind farms and ocean habitats. Led by the University’s Department of Marine Sciences, the program will also include evaluation of offshore wind workforce development by social science researchers.
$1.5 million to SCSU to study biodiversity, climate resilience, and offshore wind. Research will include monitoring biodiversity at offshore turbine, substation, and cable route locations, and potential solutions for shoreline protection infrastructure that promote both biodiversity and community resilience. These funds would also be used to support workforce development initiatives for students who wish to seek employment in the offshore wind industry.
“In supporting these leading academic institutions, we are aiming to advance critical scientific research that is done in-state and will help guide the sustainable expansion of offshore wind energy,” said David Ortiz, Ørsted’s Director of External Affairs, Northeast. “Scientific inquiry and environmental stewardship are central to the clean energy transition, and we look forward to continuing working with our local academic partners to strengthen the foundations of Connecticut’s offshore wind industry and workforce.”
Ørsted’s proposed 1,184-megawatt (MW) Starboard Wind project would deliver clean and reliable offshore wind power to Connecticut at stable and predictable pricing for decades. If selected, Starboard Wind would bring nearly $420 million of direct investment and expenditure to Connecticut, driving in-state and regional job creation while bolstering the State Pier’s key role in the U.S. offshore wind supply chain. The project would result in more than 800 full-time equivalent positions, many of which would be based at the New London State Pier.
“This initiative will not only enhance the academic experiences of our students by involving them in groundbreaking research but also promote public engagement through education on ocean literacy and wind energy,” said Dr. Annemarie Siefert, Campus Dean and Chief Administrative Officer at UConn Avery Point. “We are excited to lead this effort and contribute to a more sustainable future.”
“This funding will significantly advance SCSU’s research into the intersections of biodiversity, offshore wind, and climate resilience,” said Suzanne Huminski, Associate Director of Sustainability at SCSU. “This collaboration will not only enhance our research capabilities but also provide invaluable opportunities for our students to develop the skills needed for careers of tomorrow. We are deeply committed to fostering an environment where our students can thrive and develop the skills necessary for impactful careers in sustainability and clean energy. We are thrilled to partner with Ørsted on these groundbreaking initiatives.”
Offshore construction is currently underway for the 704 MW Revolution Wind project, a joint venture between Ørsted and Eversource. Revolution Wind will deliver 304 MW of clean, affordable offshore wind power to Connecticut and another 400 MW to Rhode Island, powering more than 350,000 New England homes.
As part of Revolution Wind, Ørsted and its partners have already:
Invested more than $100 million in infrastructure improvements to redevelop the New London State Pier, turning the pier into a regional offshore wind turbine staging and assembly hub and creating more than 400 local union jobs;
Created more than 50 local union jobs for turbine staging and assembly at the State Pier for South Fork Wind, the country’s first commercial-scale offshore wind farm. Additional jobs will be created as Revolution Wind progresses, and;
Invested more than $5 million for in-state education, research, and workforce development initiatives, partnering with the Mystic Aquarium, Project Oceanology, UConn Avery Point, and more.
Additional information about Ørsted and Starboard Wind can be found at us.orsted.com/starboard-wind.
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