seCTer played a leading role during the May 14 tour of South Fork Wind Farm, the nation’s first commercial-scale offshore wind farm, developed by the Ørsted-Eversource joint venture.
In support of this event, which provided a first-hand look at the 12 turbines and marine substation comprising South Fork Wind, seCTer chartered the high-speed ‘Cecilia Ann’ from Cross Sound Ferry in New London.
State lawmakers, leaders in Gov. Lamont’s administration, municipal and business leaders, and other stakeholders from across the state enjoyed a sunny and, thankfully, calm day at sea to learn about and record their own photos and video of this historic energy infrastructure project.
Departing from the Cross Sound Ferry terminal adjacent to the rebuilt State Pier, where turbine towers, blades, and nacelles were partially assembled before being shipped to the wind farm, all attendees could witness Connecticut’s role at the forefront of this new American industry.
South Fork Wind provides 130MW of energy to about 70,000 homes and businesses on Long Island and is located about 35 miles east of Montauk Point, Long Island, NY, and 20 miles southeast of Block Island, RI. Another 65 turbines for Revolution Wind, to serve some 350,000 homes in Connecticut and Rhode Island, are now being assembled at State Pier. That project will be followed by the 84-turbine Sunrise Wind, to deliver energy to nearly 600,000 homes in New York.
seCTer Executive Director Paul Whitescarver served as host and emcee for the tour, pointing out opportunities represented by a new supply chain and careers required to support this new American industry.
Bill Quinlan, President of Transmission and Offshore Wind Projects at Eversource, and David Ortiz, Head of Government Affairs for Ørsted’s New England portfolio, each spoke about their company’s role in this historic project and their continuing work to help states meet their climate change goals by transitioning to clean, domestic, sustainable energy.
The tour resulted in significant traditional and social media coverage, enhancing efforts by seCTer and all stakeholders to educate the public and policymakers about the benefits of offshore wind energy, and Connecticut’s role in providing the infrastructure, workers, and technology bringing it to fruition.
