Connecticut Wind Collaborative

Connecticut is a leader in the nation’s efforts to build the infrastructure and supply chain necessary to support clean, domestic, sustainable offshore wind energy, and the Connecticut Wind Collaborative is leading efforts to promote this industry across the Northeast to ensure that a skilled workforce and advanced manufacturing facilities are prepared to meet the demand.

As a convener, collaborator, and communicator, the Connecticut Wind Collaborative was established by Gov. Ned Lamont to serve as the epicenter for promotion of this sustainable energy source and the jobs, dozens of local offshore wind supply chain businesses, and the manufacturing opportunities it represents.

The CWC's strategic vision extends beyond state borders, positioning it as a pivotal collaborator in the burgeoning offshore wind industry across New England, New York, and New Jersey. This vision has been strengthened by industry partnerships developed over nearly a decade by Executive Director Kristin Urbach.

Groundbreaking Supply Chain Study

Still in its first year, the Collaborative has already partnered with Xodus to produce the nation’s first regional offshore wind supply chain study to identify existing strengths and highlight opportunities across New England, New York, and New Jersey. This groundbreaking study marks the nation’s first regionalized endeavor of its kind, strategically leveraging the unique strengths of each participating state by providing recommendations for collaborative opportunities to achieve stronger coordination and standardization.

This gold-standard study, recently published and now available at Connecticut Wind Collaborative, highlights that 50+ Connecticut-based businesses have active offshore wind supply chain contracts.  Its breadth and depth of information is intended to capture stakeholder buy-in and drive tangible outcomes, while serving as a model for other states and regions. 

This initiative demonstrates Connecticut's dedication to supporting its neighboring states in New England and beyond, fostering a collaborative approach to regional development. The study's focus on regionalized opportunities is designed to unlock synergies and maximize the collective impact of the participating states.

Strategic Partnerships and Regional Impact:

The CWC plays a pivotal role in convening stakeholders and amplifying the voices of supply chain businesses supporting offshore wind projects along the East Coast. 

In September 2024, the CWC designed, executed, and hosted the nation's first Offshore Wind Crew Transfer Vessel tour and Live Heliservice Helicopter personnel hoist lift in Bridgeport, Connecticut, co-hosted with Ørsted. Additionally, the “Celebrating Offshore Wind in Connecticut” offshore wind tour departed from New London, Connecticut, to tour South Fork Wind, the nation’s first utility-scale offshore wind farm. Turbines for South Fork Wind were assembled and shipped from State Pier in New London.

Further demonstrating its proactive approach, the CWC organized and hosted an offshore wind tour of three ports and 75 businesses in the United Kingdom in September 2024. This tour, attended by representatives from the state of Connecticut, the Mayor of the City of New London, and Connecticut supply chain businesses, provided invaluable insights into mature offshore wind markets.

In October 2024, the CWC hosted the Dutch Offshore Wind Innovation Delegation at the State Pier in New London. This event facilitated crucial dialogue between Connecticut leaders and over 25 representatives from companies based in the Netherlands, strengthening international partnerships. The event garnered significant media attention and went viral on LinkedIn, showcasing the CWC's ability to generate visibility and engagement. Notably, when the Dutch delegation announced its plans to visit New York, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts, the CWC's executive director proactively extended an invitation to State Pier, demonstrating the organization's strategic foresight.

Strategic Infrastructure and Workforce Development:

As Connecticut transitions to renewable energy, offshore wind represents a significant opportunity to achieve energy goals, create jobs, and build economic resilience. The state’s $210 million investment in port infrastructure improvements at State Pier in New London, augmented by $100 million in private-sector funding, has activated Connecticut as a vital assembly, staging, and marshaling hub.

Despite a modest procurement of 304 megawatts, State Pier's infrastructure investment has established Connecticut as an active leader in the U.S. offshore wind industry. 

In addition to South Fork Wind, which is now delivering clean, sustainable energy to homes on Long Island, skilled workers at State Pier are currently preparing towers, nacelles and blades for installation at the Revolution Wind farm that will provide power to Connecticut and Rhode Island. Sunrise Wind, serving the New York grid, will also be assembled and shipped from New London. These three projects, totaling 161 turbines serving three states, represent the most offshore wind activity in the nation.

All this supply chain engagement and workforce activity comes despite Connecticut’s decision not to participate in a recent procurement as state leaders work to refine their energy strategy amid energy supply challenges facing the entire Northeast.

Download our regional offshore wind study