Rhode Island:
The Winds of Change
Sponsored By:
They say that big things come in small packages. And nothing could be truer when it comes to the pioneering nations and states of offshore wind. Denmark led the way, in 1991, with Vindeby and set Europe on a path to becoming the titan of offshore wind that it is today.
This bodes well for Rhode Island, by far the smallest state in North America but very much the leading voice when it comes to championing efforts to bring meaningful progress to the US Offshore Wind market.
Most notably, Rhode Island currently operates the first (and only) offshore wind farm in the country, the Block Island Wind Farm. That alone is an achievement, but is not the only industry first that the state can claim to in the US: It was the first state to create a marine spatial management plan, which proved highly beneficial for expediting the permitting for the wind farm; it was the first state to develop a high school certificate program in offshore wind; it was the first state to use its ports to stage the logistical phases of offshore wind farm construction; and it was the first state to open, in partnership with Ørsted, a dedicated innovation hub for breakthrough offshore wind technologies. Even in the broader context of renewable energy, Rhode Island is one of the most energy-efficient states in the US and has set its sights on moving towards a power grid fueled entirely on renewable energy. Make no mistake about it, Rhode Island is a force to be reckoned with.
So, as Offshore Source began its research into the current prospects for US offshore wind in 2020, it soon became apparent that all roads lead to Rhode Island. And not just because of the Block Island Wind Farm, or the state’s +25GW wind potential for that matter. Nor is it on account of the many lessons learned along the way. All important, granted, but the real story of Rhode Island’s rise to prominence in offshore wind is that of the many people and organizations harnessing the winds of change.
In this Offshore Source WebExclusive, we delve into Rhode Island’s unique offshore wind experience, through the stories, insights, and perspectives of the men and women at the forefront of US offshore wind development. Their views on everything from policy to commercialization, from science to workforce development and from infrastructure to impact, are critical to the future of offshore renewable energy.
Helping companies land and expand in Rhode Island,
we’re the state’s economic development agency.
The Voices of Change
Jeff Tingley
Nicholas Ucci
Matt Morrissey
Ken Bowes
Jennifer McCann
Chris Waterson
Kristin Urbach & Dr. James Halley
Jessica Willi
This is a brand-new industry and it's being born right here in the state of Rhode Island.
A Closing Word From Liz Burdock
The commitment to offshore wind did not end when electricity started generating at the Block Island Wind Farm. Rhode Island has continued to create a portfolio of physical and intellectual assets that makes offshore wind a flagship industry standing alongside Rhode Island’s marine and other industries. It has weaved together a set government services across multiple State agencies, creating a job training and business expansion, diversification and attraction program that makes the State an extremely attractive locality to grow or establish an offshore wind business.
A Special Note on COVID-19
About Rhode Island Commerce
The Rhode Island Commerce Corporation works with public, private and nonprofit partners to create the conditions for businesses in all sectors to thrive and to improve the quality of life for our citizens by promoting the state’s long-term economic health and prosperity. We offer business assistance, access to funding and red tape reduction for companies of all sizes.
As a quasi-public agency, we are the official full-service, economic development organization for the state of Rhode Island. We serve as a government and community resource to help businesses expand in, and relocate to, Rhode Island.
We assist companies with:
Commercial real estate and property searches
Business financing, renewable energy grants, and science and technology grants
Tax credits and other incentives
Workforce training and talent development
Find out more: https://commerceri.com/