New York State to establish offshore wind training center on Long Island
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone agreed to a land transfer that will bring a National Offshore Wind Training Center to New York.
In the deal, Suffolk County purchased the state-owned parcel located in Brentwood for $1.46 million to create a community-centered space. The site will feature the newly established National Offshore Wind Training Center (NOWTC), funded by a $10 million investment by Sunrise Wind — a joint venture of Orsted A/S and Eversource Energy. The NOWTC is expected to train and certify hundreds, if not thousands, of workers under Global Wind Organization (GWO) training standards for offshore wind.
“New York is leading the charge for the clean energy revolution,” Hochul said. “We are partnering with innovative, industry-leading companies and spearheading billions in public and private investments to spur economic development and good-paying jobs for New Yorkers. The National Offshore Wind Training Center will enhance our efforts to prepare our workforce for the green jobs of the future, support the physical infrastructure needed for these clean energy projects, and solidify New York’s role as a global leader in this powerhouse industry.”
In addition, Hochul launched a $9 million competitive opportunity through the State’s Offshore Wind Training Institute for expanded offshore wind workforce development and training initiatives to address workforce gaps and prepare residents for jobs in this growing industry. The state has a goal to develop 9,000 megawatts of offshore wind by 2035.
“Ensuring that every individual in every community in our region has the same opportunity for success is key to growing our economy. This community-centered hub is a place for education, government, industry, and the community to come together to open doors to opportunity. The partnership with the National Offshore Wind Training Center will allow our residents to be at the center of the emerging offshore wind industry,” Bellone said. I want to thank Governor Hochul for her commitment to workforce development and helping to usher in a new era of economic growth in our county.”
The NOWTC will collaborate with the State’s Offshore Wind Training Institute (OWTI) to establish offshore wind and clean energy training and workforce development initiatives. The OWTI will train 2,500 New York workers beginning this year through 2027 to support both offshore and onshore renewable energy projects.
