Governor Gina M. Raimondo announced that Ørsted US Offshore Wind and Eversource – the team behind the Revolution Wind project – have pledged $4.5 million to support offshore wind education and supply chain development for the growing offshore wind industry in Rhode Island.
“Ørsted and Eversource’s commitments, as part of their Revolution Wind offshore wind farm, will expand our efforts already underway to build our talent pool and provide opportunities for college students in Rhode Island to study for a career in offshore wind,” said Governor Raimondo. “When they are ready to work, we will have plenty of jobs for them in our growing offshore wind supply chain, right here in Rhode Island.”
Ørsted and Eversource have committed to invest $4.5 million locally, with a $3-million investment in higher education around offshore wind programs led by the University of Rhode Island. URI will be working in partnership with other institutions of higher learning in the state.
Ørsted and Eversource will invest an additional $1.5 million, designated to the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation and the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, to support the development of Rhode Island’s offshore wind supply chain and workforce.
“The Revolution Wind project will help Rhode Island secure a cleaner and more affordable energy future,” said State Energy Commissioner Carol Grant. “Orsted’s investments in higher education and workforce development will provide a much-needed pathway for people who want to be ready for the fast-growing offshore wind industry and capture the many job opportunities that will be here soon.”