A new organisation called OSW Supply Chain has launched today to serve as an educational resource for New York state businesses and communities looking to get involved in the burgeoning US offshore wind industry.
OSW Supply Chain aims to provide information, tools and points of connection for manufacturers, service providers, small businesses, entrepreneurs and others looking to transition into offshore wind business opportunities in New York.
Among the resources available on the OSW Supply Chain website is a NYSERDA-based geo-map offering a straightforward view of offshore wind training and manufacturing organisations, port operations, apprenticeship programs, labour organisations, consulting services and offshore construction services.
The organisation will also play an advocacy role, serving as a connector to a statewide network of industry, government and educational institutions that can assist new entrants in navigating offshore wind project requirements and opportunities.
It will host quarterly industry briefings on a variety of related topics and will soon launch an industry podcast.
Partners include EnBW North America, Eversource and Orsted, along with the Long Island Federation of Labor and the Renewable Energy and Sustainability Center at Farmingdale College.
A webinar will be hosted on 22 June covering ‘Supply Chain Insights for Offshore Wind’.
OSW Supply Chain executive director Phil Rugile said: “As New York State is on track to become the largest producer of offshore wind in the nation, our goal is to be the premier regional informational and educational forum for suppliers to learn how they can participate in this fast-moving sector.
“In partnership with our sponsors and strategic partners, OSW Supply Chain serves as a trusted resource to assist all stakeholders, including businesses and local communities, to better understand how to navigate these game-changing opportunities.”
EnBW North America external affairs director Damian Bednarz said: “Offshore wind will directly benefit our communities as a locally-sourced supply chain takes hold and expands this opportunity across sectors.
“We are excited to support OSW Supply Chain and its early leadership to provide local businesses and entrepreneurs with the resources and tools to build a uniquely American offshore wind industry.”
Eversource vice president of siting and permitting for offshore wind Kenneth Bowes said: “Eversource is proud to be a founding supporter of the Offshore Wind Supply Chain, a service and forum that will help New York capture the tremendous economic benefits this emerging industry can provide.”
Orsted deputy head of procurement offshore in North America Grant van Wyngaarden said: “Orsted is committed to the development of a domestic supply chain for the American offshore wind industry.
“The Offshore Wind Supply Chain is poised to be a valuable resource in forging the connections and information sharing necessary to make this vision a reality.”