Leading Light Wind is making investments in Staten Island to establish an offshore wind hub there.
The developer, which is proposing a project in the New York Bight, plans to conduct turbine pre-assembly and marshalling activities at the proposed Arthur Kill Terminal (AKT) facility in Richmond Valley.
Via its recently submitted bid in New York State’s third offshore wind solicitation for Offshore Wind Renewable Energy Certificates (NY3), Leading Light Wind outlined a plan to use AKT for its port and marshalling activities.
Leading Light Wind included AKT across its Supply Chain Investment Plan proposals (SCIPs) and aims to revitalise the working waterfront and provide job opportunities in Staten Island, if selected by NYSERDA.
The developer is also investing $900,000 in a partnership with CUNY College of Staten Island to develop the next generation of offshore wind workforce and will launch an Offshore Wind Scholars Program to connect students across the region to career opportunities in the industry.
“CUNY College of Staten Island is delighted to partner with Leading Light Wind to train and educate students to join the growing offshore wind sector in New York City and State,” said Timothy Lynch, Interim President, College of Staten Island.
“This partnership represents an important opportunity for our students to benefit from hands-on experience, gain exposure at events, and hear directly from industry veterans.
“The launch of the Leading Light Wind Offshore Wind Scholars Program is transformative for all New York City college students, and we are excited to be the first school to partner with Leading Light Wind.”
The Leading Light Wind Offshore Wind Scholars Program will kick-off by sponsoring students from CUNY College of Staten Island to attend the International Offshore Wind Partnering Forum (IPF).
“We have to start investing in STEM education and workforce training today to ensure that New Yorkers are ready for the coming offshore wind boom.
“That is why our partnership with the CUNY College of Staten Island is critical to train, educate, and equip capable New Yorkers with the skills necessary to enter the green jobs economy upon graduation,” said Wes Jacobs, Project Director, Leading Light Wind.
“We applaud the State and City’s leadership in directing resources to Staten Island to catalyse education and training in the offshore wind industry and are proud to bolster these efforts with our own partnership with CUNY CSI.”
The partnership with CUNY College of Staten Island is part of Leading Light Wind’s $300m community benefits programme.