The developers of the 400MW Revolution Wind project in the US, Orsted and Eversource, are providing finance to support education and supply chain development in the offshore sector.
They have pledged $4.5m, of which $3m will be invested in higher education offshore wind programmes led by the University of Rhode Island.
A further $1.5m will go to the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation and the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training to support the development of the US state’s offshore wind supply chain and workforce.
Rhode Island governor Gina Raimondo said: “Orsted 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.
“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.”
Orsted US Offshore Wind Co-chief executive Jeffrey Grybowski said: “Revolution Wind is the exciting next chapter for offshore wind in the state that launched this new American industry.
“We stand ready to make major investments in our home state to make sure Rhode Island students, and the state’s supply chain, are ready for this new clean-jobs sector.”