Connecticut continued to build on its leadership role in offshore wind with the April release of the nation’s first regional offshore wind supply chain study.

The “Connecticut Offshore Wind Supply Chain Assessment: Opportunities and Collaborative Efforts in the Northeast,” will now serve as a national model for other regional approaches to supply chain initiatives. The assessment is available here.

The CWC commissioned Xodus to produce the report and CWC partnered with The Pew Charitable Trusts, which provided technical assistance The study showed more than 50 Connecticut companies are contributing to active offshore wind projects and port infrastructure development, and more than 450 state companies were identified as having strong potential to expand into the industry. More than 130 state companies have either previous offshore wind experience or highly applicable expertise needed in the offshore wind supply chain.

The report underscores the critical role of the Connecticut Wind Collaborative in fostering regional collaboration to address industry challenges, pursue opportunities, and drive economic growth across the Northeast. The study provides a roadmap for Connecticut and its neighboring states to maximize the economic and environmental benefits of offshore wind by identifying opportunities for collaboration in areas such as supply chain development, workforce training, transmission planning, and procurement strategies.

The Connecticut Wind Collaborative is taking on a key role in implementing the study’s recommendations by leading in the following areas:

• Convening stakeholders to facilitate communication and knowledge sharing
• Promoting standardization and best practices in supply chain development
• Advocating for workforce development initiatives and funding
• Supporting research and development efforts to drive innovation in the sector.

“This report proves what we have been seeing for a long time; Connecticut businesses are an important link in the offshore wind supply chain and that translates into business growth and more jobs,” Kristin said. “We are committed to working with our partners to implement the study’s recommendations, ensuring that Connecticut and the region capitalize on this tremendous opportunity and achieve our clean energy goals.”

“As this study makes clear, this new, domestic, sustainable energy industry is already providing jobs for Connecticut’s skilled workers and represents opportunities for many more,” said Gov. Ned Lamont. “We need more energy production, and offshore wind should be allowed to scale up to increase domestic energy sources while driving growth in manufacturing and construction.”

“This report shows what we already know—Connecticut companies are at the forefront of making clean energy a reality for New England, and solidifying energy independence for our nation,” said U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal. “At every step of the supply chain you can find Connecticut’s skilled workers and manufacturers leading the charge for a greener future, and I pledge to keep fighting for strong investment in offshore wind projects and sustainable energy for the good of our people and the planet.”

“State governments are key to driving the industry forward at the moment. This study shows that collaborative efforts underpinned by regional strengths are the foundation for building a prosperous and sustainable industry future,” said Andy Logan, Head of Industry Development at Xodus.

The report emphasizes Connecticut’s unique strengths, particularly in advanced manufacturing, where companies with experience in the aerospace and defense industries are well-positioned to meet the stringent standards of offshore wind manufacturing. The state’s strategic investment in port infrastructure, most notably the $310 million upgrade to the State Pier Terminal in New London, has created an East Coast hub for staging and marshaling offshore wind projects in the Northeast.

Recommendations based on the analysis of data gleaned through interviews and research across the Northeast cover five key areas, consisting of the four pillars identified in Connecticut’s Offshore Wind Strategic Roadmap (Infrastructure & Real Estate, Supply Chain, Workforce, and Research & Development) as well as the broader theme of Communication and Knowledge Sharing.

Regional meetings to advance the recommendations are underway so communities, businesses, educational institutions, and economic development partners can speed the offshore wind supply chain opportunities and benefits to the region.

The report notes that Connecticut is in an advantageous position to capitalize on its geography and relationships within the Northeast through its involvement in various regional collaboration initiatives.

The study was produced with additional support from the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, the Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region, and Cashman Dredging.