Governor Gina M. Raimondo announced that Ørsted US Offshore Wind and Eversource — the team behind the Revolution Wind project — have pledged $4.5 million to support offshore wind education and supply chain development for the growing offshore wind industry in Rhode Island, according to the University of Rhode Island.
The Rhode Island Commerce Corp. and the state’s labour department will use $1.5 million to train people for jobs in the field and support related businesses.
Raimondo noted that she wants to make sure that Rhode Island residents have the skills to get jobs that are being created in the high-growth industry.
The remaining $1.5 million will be provided to the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation and the Department of Labor and Training to support the development of offshore wind supply chain and workforce.
As Rhode Island Governor Gina M. Raimondo commented
Ørsted and Eversource’s commitments, as part of their Revolution Wind offshore wind farm, will expand our efforts already underway to build our talent pool and provide opportunities for college students in Rhode Island to study for a career in offshore wind.
Moreover, Revolution Wind was officially developed by Deepwater Wind, which is now acquired by Ørsted. The offshore company is expected to create up to 800 direct construction jobs and 50 permanent jobs at every skill level.
Ørsted and Eversource’s investments are subject to the PUC’s decision, expected by 1 June, and final permitting of the project by state and federal agencies.
Once permits are secured, local construction work on the 400MW project will commence as early as 2020, with commissioning expected by 2023.
Revolution Wind is the exciting next chapter for offshore wind in the state that launched this new American industry.
… said Ørsted US Offshore Wind Co-CEO Jeffrey Grybowski.
