Orsted adds $5.5 million in higher education grants to Rhode Island offshore wind proposal
New England Council member Orsted plans to award $5.5 million in grants to three institutions of higher education in Rhode Island. This initiative is part of a broader project to provide the state with 1200 gigawatts of offshore wind energy. The Starboard Wind project, an 1184-gigawatt farm, powers 600,000 homes in Rhode Island and Connecticut. This project and proposals from Avangrid Renewables, Southcoast Wind, and Vineyard Offshore form part of the offshore wind memorandum of understanding that Rhode Island has entered into with Massachusetts and Connecticut.
“As we double down on our commitment to Rhode Island, we look forward to continuing to support these partners in building a thriving blue economy for decades to come,” said David Ortiz, Orsted’s head of market affairs for New England.
Orsted announced that the Starboard Wind farm will be located on Orsted’s federal lease 500 area off Block Island, adjacent to the company’s other wind projects. The Starboard Wind project is expected to create at least 3,800 jobs and be fully operational in the 2030s.
The New England Council congratulates Orsted on its efforts to enhance the offshore wind market and provide opportunities for Rhode Island’s power grid, environment, and future engineers.
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