Eversource and Ørsted Invest in Rhode Island’s Offshore Wind Workforce and Supply Chain

Eversource and Ørsted, both Council members, have pledged to invest $4.5 million in offshore wind education and supply chain management to support the development of the offshore wind industry in Rhode Island. This investment was announced by Governor Gina Raimondo and will be used to bolster the Revolution Wind project that is expected to create more than 800 direct construction jobs and 50 permanent jobs for Rhode Islanders.

The $4.5 million will be invested locally, with $3 million allotted for higher education around offshore wind programs. This will be led by New England Council member the University of Rhode Island, which will partner with other higher education institutions around the state. The remaining funds are designated for the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation and the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training for the development of Rhode Island’s offshore wind supply chain and workforce.

Governor Raimondo explained, “Ørsted and Eversource’s commitments, as part of their Revolution Wind offshore wind farm, will expand our efforts already underway to build our talent pool and provide opportunities for college students in Rhode Island to study for a career in offshore wind. When they are ready to work, we will have plenty of jobs for them in our growing offshore wind supply chain, right here in Rhode Island.”

Jeffrey Grybowski, Ørsted US Offshore Wind’s Co-CEO, commented, “Revolution Wind is the exciting next chapter for offshore wind in the state that launched this new American industry. We stand ready to make major investments in our home state to make sure Rhode Island students, and the state’s supply chain, are ready for this new clean-jobs sector.”

The NEC applauds the commitment that Eversource and Ørsted are making to the development of offshore wind in New England, and for supporting the workforce to sustain continued growth in this industry.