The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has repeatedly highlighted the limited available infrastructure to support offshore wind activities in the United States. Over the long term, the lack of specialized port facilities and transmission infrastructure could pose barriers to the efficient development and deployment of U.S. offshore wind projects.

For the purposes of this roadmap, a focus will be made on port infrastructure, as Connecticut’s Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) is responsible for issuing the state‘s Integrated Resources Plan to assess future electrical needs and identify the resources to meet those needs.

In New Haven, Bridgeport and New London, the state is working closely with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to carry out safety and harbor efficiency dredging projects, including a harbor deepening project to bring New Haven Harbor to a depth of -40 feet; a maintenance dredge of Bridgeport Harbor to restore the harbor depth to at least -33 feet; and ongoing maintenance of the federal channel in New London.

• Map existing Connecticut infrastructure and real estate for offshore wind activities and make these resources publicly available for industry members.
• Increase investment in available key port and waterfront properties such as those located in and around deepwater ports in Bridgeport, New Haven, and New London.
• Conduct additional feasibility studies, where appropriate, to determine how these assets can be maximized for offshore wind development.