Ørsted U.S. Offshore Wind has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Montclair State University in New Jersey for clean energy research and educational outreach activities.
Ørsted’s USD 200,000 contribution will support the university’s Clean Energy and Sustainability Analytics Center (CESAC) and will aid in the advancement of energy research initiatives.
The MoU also focuses on the development of educational events, stakeholder engagement activities and STEM programming for elementary, middle and high school students.
“Montclair State has invested in the development of important programs and research in renewable energy and environmental science,” said Susan A. Cole , President of Montclair State University.
“Partnerships with leading corporations in the energy sector, such as Ørsted, provide mutually beneficial synergies and much-needed resources that help us educate students and expand both research and outreach initiatives.”
Ørsted won a contract in June 2019 to develop its 1,100MW Ocean Wind project in what was the first-ever offshore wind solicitation in New Jersey.
The wind farm will feature Haliade-X 12MW turbines and is expected to be operational by 2024.
At the end of last year, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed an executive order which increases the state’s offshore wind target from 3.5GW by 2030 to 7.5GW by 2035.