The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) has published an assessment of 18 Massachusetts ports and waterfront sites, and a supply chain directory of 320 state and regional small businesses that can contribute to the offshore wind industry.
The Massachusetts Offshore Wind Ports and Infrastructure Assessment , provides comprehensive assessments of waterfront properties to inform industry-led investment decisions on sites to manufacture, stage and service offshore wind components for the offshore wind market in Massachusetts and along the East Coast.
For each property, the report includes an engineering analysis to create a set of detailed upgrade plans, including conceptual redevelopment designs, high-level cost estimates and permitting pathways required for each site to be able to support offshore wind activities. The sites include existing port infrastructure in Fall River/Somerset, New Bedford, and Boston/Quincy.
Of the total of 18 sites, five are located in Fall River/Somerset, six in New Bedford, and seven in Boston/Quincy.
The Offshore Wind Supply Chain Directory includes information on 320 Massachusetts and regional small businesses with expertise in areas to support offshore wind construction and deployment, including electrical services, civil engineering, welding, concrete, steel fabrication and supply, diving and underwater construction, heavy lift cranes, marine services including vessels and tugs, environmental studies, and more. The directory is a resource to offshore wind developers, turbine manufacturers, and major component suppliers interested in contracting with Massachusetts-companies.
“These initiatives will help maximize the economic development opportunities brought to the Commonwealth by offshore wind development,” said MassCEC CEO Stephen Pike . “This information will be extremely valuable as major offshore wind companies evaluate potential investments in the state to support future offshore wind projects.”
“This work commissioned by MassCEC will help facilitate the development of this emerging industry, advancing the prospects for significant job creation and economic growth in New Bedford and the entire region,” said Senator Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford).
In August 2016, Governor Baker signed bipartisan comprehensive energy diversification legislation that requires utilities to competitively solicit bids for approximately 1,600MW of offshore wind power .