Groundbreaking Supply Chain Study
In just its first year, the Collaborative is already well on its way to producing 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 to achieve economies of scale and accelerate the industry's growth.
Xodus and another organization, two renowned research entities, saw the value in this initiative and have partnered with the Connecticut Wind Collaborative to create this gold-standard study that will serve as a model for other states and regions. Results will be published later this spring. The collaboration between Xodus and the organization ensures that the report will be both informative and impactful, capturing stakeholder buy-in and driving tangible outcomes.
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. South Fork Wind is one of three wind farms being marshaled, assembled and shipped from 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 their plans to visit New York, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts, the CWC's executive director proactively extended an invitation to the 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 the State Pier in New London, complemented by $100 million in private-sector funding, has positioned Connecticut as a vital assembly, staging, and marshaling hub for future offshore wind farms and long-term maintenance in the Northeast.
Despite a modest procurement of 304 megawatts, the State Pier's infrastructure investment has established Connecticut as a leader in the U.S. offshore wind industry.
State Pier was the staging and assembly point for the nation’s first utility-scale offshore wind farm, South Fork Wind, which is now delivering clean, sustainable energy to homes on Long Island. Towers, nacelles and blades are currently being assembled and shipped from State Pier for installation at the Revolution Wind farm that will provide power to Connecticut and Rhode Island. Sunrise Wind, serving the New York grid, also will 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 of this supply chain 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
