Wind supply chain future to be studied

Nov. 14—The Groton-based Connecticut Wind Collaborative announced Thursday that it has commissioned a study to determine how to address supply chain gaps that could affect the rapid expansion of the offshore wind industry in the state.

The Connecticut Offshore Wind Industry Study is meant to “solidify Connecticut’s position as a key player and regional collaborator in offshore wind,” according to a press release. “This gold-standard initiative aims to build upon the Connecticut Offshore Wind Strategic Roadmap by identifying and expanding supply chain opportunities for Connecticut and the Northeast region.”

Supply chain analytic firm Xodus Group and The Pew Charitable Trusts research arm will conduct the study, which the Wind Collaborative hopes will promote regional collaboration and improve the economic prospects of the state’s manufacturing sector. The study is being funded by the state Department of Economic and Community Development’s $70,000 contribution, and $50,000 from the Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region, along with unspecified funding from industry partners, according to the release.

“Our goal with this study is to place Connecticut at the forefront of offshore wind supply chain development,” said Kristin Urbach, executive director of the Connecticut Wind Collaborative, in a statement. “This collaborative, regional research will serve as a foundation for sustainable economic growth, job creation, and supply chain enhancement — putting Connecticut and its neighbors in New York, New Jersey and all of New England on the map as leaders in renewable energy innovation.”

Asked to clarify exactly what the study is meant to do, Wind Collaborative spokesman David Tranchida said in an email it would involve “pivoting existing maritime workers/manufacturers into (offshore wind), and creating new where there is a void.”

The renovated State Pier in New London is the Connecticut hub for the offshore wind industry, thanks to a more than $300 million state project to develop an extensive laydown area to assemble the massive components. State Pier completed the first South Fork Wind project earlier this year and is in the midst of its second, the 65-turbine Revolution Wind.

Connecticut’s wind industry is part of a coordinated effort in the state to ensure that all of its electric supply is 100% zero-carbon by 2040.

“Connecticut has the potential to be an important link in the offshore wind supply chain, a growing sector that can enable the…