Memorandum of Understanding would see Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island jointly consider project proposals and drive supply chain investment
For Immediate Release: October 4, 2023
Media Contact: Luke Jeanfreau | [email protected] | 504-302-8079
BALTIMORE — The Oceantic Network, the leading organization working to accelerate offshore wind energy deployment and build a dedicated domestic supply chain, applauds today’s announcement of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island allowing for joint solicitation of bids for offshore wind projects. In total, these states are soliciting up to 6,000 MW of projects in 2024. Through this first-of-its-kind MoU, participating developers can propose multi-state projects to any or all of these three states, allowing for larger projects that will drive new investment in the supply chain and are more beneficial for ratepayers while posing less risk for project developers. Coinciding with the MOU, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont today announced the publication of the state’s Offshore Wind Strategic Roadmap and the launch of the nonprofit Connecticut Wind Collaborative to advance the offshore wind industry.
Today’s announcements come on the heels of a September MoU between nine Northeast states and four federal agencies that created a framework for new regional partnerships focused on offshore wind supply chain development. As part of the Federal State Offshore Wind Implementation Partnership, that MoU called on all signatories to collaborate in addressing national high priority gaps like port development, shipbuilding, and domestic steel production.
The following statement can be attributed to Liz Burdock, founder and CEO of the Oceantic Network:
“We want to congratulate the leaders of Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island for driving this bold regional cooperative framework that will unleash more investment, more job creation, and more benefits of offshore wind to Americans. For years, the Business Network for Offshore Wind has championed procuring offshore wind at scale, however, we were not thinking big enough. Procurement at this scale is exactly what industry needs to solve some of its most pressing issues. Big scale drives real cost reductions, fosters a pipeline large enough for new manufacturing investments, and should create enough certainty to entice developers and vessel owners to enter into framework agreements that would unlock capital sitting on the sidelines. The New England coast is already a hub of activity, and this regional collaboration helps to maximize the hundreds of millions of dollars already dedicated to preparing ports like New London, Providence, and New Bedford, local workforces, and local supply businesses.”
Additional Information:
- Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut Sign First-Time Agreement for Multi-State Offshore Wind Procurement
- Memorandum of Understanding (Full Text)
- Connecticut’s Offshore Wind Strategic Roadmap
- FACT SHEET: Biden-Harris Administration Advances Offshore Wind Transmission, Strengthens Regional Supply Chain Buildout, and Drives Innovation
For more information or to arrange an interview with the Network, contact Luke Jeanfreau at [email protected] or 504-302-8079.
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As a non-profit organization, the Oceantic Network’s driving purpose is to inform, coordinate, and mobilize human ingenuity, enterprise, and labor to take advantage of the urgent need to tap the vast offshore wind and renewable energy resources that lie in the world’s oceans. The collective, coordinated efforts of our 600+ members equip communities and nations to accelerate the transition to clean energy and create economic opportunities.
