Ørsted proposes 1.1-GW Starboard Wind offshore project for Connecticut

Ørsted today announced submission of its proposed project, Starboard Wind, to the Dept. of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency.

Ørsted’s proposed 1,184-MW Starboard Wind project would deliver clean and reliable offshore wind power to Connecticut. Utilizing the New London State Pier for staging and assembly, Starboard Wind would bring nearly $420 million of direct investment and expenditure to Connecticut, driving in-state and regional job creation while bolstering State Pier’s key role in the U.S. offshore wind supply chain.

“Connecticut is a critical hub in the U.S. offshore wind market thanks to its early investments and foresight, and Starboard Wind will further strengthen the state’s leadership in this important new American energy industry,” said David Hardy, Ørsted Group EVP and CEO Americas. “In addition to fostering additional economic development, job creation, and innovative partnerships with local universities and organizations, we want to ‘make it here’ in Connecticut by providing opportunities for local businesses and workers to participate in the emerging domestic offshore wind supply chain. We look forward to working with our local partners to deliver a project that would be strategic for both the state and the New England region.”

Starboard Wind would result in more than 800 full-time equivalent positions, including many new jobs at New London’s State Pier. Starboard Wind has a cost-benefit ratio of over 1.7:1, meaning that for every dollar invested in the project, Connecticut will receive over $1.70 of benefits in jobs and investments, improved energy-system reliability, and environmental benefits.

Starboard Wind would fund a range of community investments and partnerships in Connecticut, including more than $50 million to support the state’s workforce and supplier diversity, inclusive workforce training, innovation, higher education and research, environmental justice, and biodiversity.

Ørsted and Eversource are currently building Revolution Wind, Connecticut’s first offshore wind farm, marshaling the project out of State Pier. Starboard Wind would build on Revolution Wind’s investments and accomplishments and advance the state toward its goal of 100% clean energy by 2040.

Onshore construction is underway for the 704-MW Revolution Wind project, with offshore construction to begin in the coming months. Revolution Wind will deliver 304 MW of clean, affordable offshore wind power to Connecticut and another 400 MW to Rhode Island. The project is expected to be in operation in 2025.

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. Additional jobs will be necessary as Revolution Wind progresses.
• 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.

News item from Ørsted

Filed Under: News, Offshore wind