Orsted proposes new Starboard Wind project in Connecticut

Offshore wind developer Orsted proposed a new offshore wind project in Connecticut called Starboard Wind.

The proposed 1,184-megawatt (MW) Starboard Wind project would power more than 600,000 homes in the state.

“Connecticut is a critical hub in the U.S. offshore wind market thanks to its early investments and foresight, and Starboard Wind will further strengthen the state’s leadership in this important new American energy industry,” David Hardy, Orsted Group EVP and CEO Americas, said. “In addition to fostering additional economic development, job creation, and innovative partnerships with local universities and organizations, we want to ‘make it here’ in Connecticut by providing opportunities for local businesses and workers to participate in the emerging domestic offshore wind supply chain.”

Starboard Wind would bring nearly $420 million of direct investment and expenditure to Connecticut and result in more than 800 full-time jobs, including many at New London’s State Pier. Starboard Wind has a cost-benefit ratio of over 1.7:1, meaning that for every dollar invested in the project, Connecticut will receive over $1.70 of benefits in jobs and investments, improved energy-system reliability, and environmental benefits.

“New London is the Northeast’s offshore wind hub, and Orsted is a large part of the reason why,” New London Mayor Michael Passero said. “Orsted has not only been instrumental in transforming the State Pier into a state-of-the-art offshore wind staging location, but also invested in our workforce and developed partnerships in our communities.”

Starboard Wind would fund a range of community investments and partnerships in Connecticut, including more than $50 million to support the state’s workforce and supplier diversity, inclusive workforce training, innovation, higher education and research, environmental justice, and biodiversity. The application was submitted to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection for review.

Ørsted is currently working with Eversource on Revolution Wind, Connecticut’s first offshore wind farm, marshaling the project out of the New London State Pier. Starboard Wind and Revolution Wind will advance the state toward its goal of 100 percent clean energy by 2040.

Onshore construction is underway for the 704 MW Revolution Wind project, with offshore construction to begin in the coming months. Revolution Wind will deliver 304 MW of offshore wind power to Connecticut and another 400 MW to Rhode Island. The project is expected to be in operation in 2025.