- Groups working on behalf of the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center begin comprehensive assessment of local and regional supply chain for offshore wind projects
- Several offshore wind farms are in the works in New England, but supplies for these projects typically come from overseas
- Research aims to help develop and scale production of wind turbine components and equipment in the region
With several offshore wind farms in planning off the New England shore, an effort is underway to develop a more robust supply chain to support this industry.
The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center has commissioned the Xodus Group and BW Research, in coordination with Greentree Consulting and the Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership, to create a comprehensive offshore wind supply chain assessment and gap analysis. The report will consider the requirements, capabilities, qualification, and interests of companies in Massachusetts as well as neighboring states.
Most offshore wind facilities are currently manufactured and produced overseas. By creating a system to allow wind turbine components and equipment to be supplied locally, offshore wind farms would be built more cheaply and efficiently while onshore communities would reap the benefits of increased economic activity.
A 2018 assessment by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center determined that the development and construction of 1,600 megawatts of offshore wind energy would boost state economic output by $675 to $800 million. It determined that a local supply chain would add another $360 to $775 million, with a total economic impact of between $1.4 billion and $2.1 billion.
