Massachusetts Clean Energy Center Announces Port Assessment for Offshore Wind Industry in Massachusetts

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) today released a report that aims to guide industry investment on potential locations for offshore wind manufacturing and provides a detailed assessment of 18 Massachusetts waterfront sites. MassCEC also published a supply chain directory of 320 Massachusetts and regional small businesses capable of contributing to the offshore wind industry.

“These initiatives will help maximize the economic development opportunities brought to the Commonwealth by offshore wind development,” said MassCEC CEO Stephen Pike. “This information will be extremely valuable as major offshore wind companies evaluate potential investments in the state to support future offshore wind projects.”

The ports assessment, known as the Massachusetts Offshore Wind Ports and Infrastructure Assessment, was commissioned by MassCEC and prepared through a joint effort by Ramboll Environ, Apex Companies LLC, UMass Boston’s Urban Harbor’s Institute, and Tufts University to provide comprehensive assessments of 18 waterfront properties to inform industry-led investment decisions on sites to manufacture, stage and service offshore wind components for the offshore wind market in Massachusetts and along the East Coast. For each property, the report includes an engineering analysis to create a set of detailed upgrade plans, including conceptual redevelopment designs, high-level cost estimates and permitting pathways required for each site to be able to support offshore wind activities.  The sites include existing port infrastructure in Fall River/Somerset (5), New Bedford (6), and Boston/Quincy (7).

• Boston Autoport – Boston
• East Boston Shipyard – Boston
• M-1 (Parcels 7&8) and Parcel M – Boston
• Parcels V and V-1 – Boston
• Parcels C-1 and C-2 – Boston
• 148 Condor Street Site – Boston
• Quirk Auto – Braintree/Quincy
• Borden & Remington Complex – Fall River
• Fall River State Pier – Fall River
• Former Weaver’s Cove Energy Site – Fall River
• Eversource Energy / Sprague Oil Site – New Bedford
• Hathaway Mills – New Bedford
• New Bedford State Pier – New Bedford
• North Terminal – New Bedford
• Revere Copper – New Bedford
• Whales Tooth Parking Lot and New Bedford Railyard – New Bedford
• Brayton Point Power Plant Site – Somerset
• Former Montaup Power Plant Site – Somerset

The Offshore Wind Supply Chain Directory includes information on 320 Massachusetts and regional small businesses with expertise in areas to support offshore wind construction and deployment, including electrical services, civil engineering, welding, concrete, steel fabrication and supply, diving and underwater construction, heavy lift cranes, marine services including vessels and tugs, environmental studies, and more.  The directory is a resource to offshore wind developers, turbine manufacturers, and major component suppliers interested in contracting with Massachusetts-companies.

In August 2016, Governor Baker signed bipartisan comprehensive energy diversification legislation that promotes the administration’s commitment to reducing energy costs while strengthening the state’s clean energy economy and progressing towards Massachusetts’ greenhouse gas reduction requirements. The legislation requires utilities to competitively solicit bids for approximately 1,600 megawatts of cost-effective offshore wind power.

“The leadership exhibited by the Southcoast delegation has ensured that the Commonwealth will solicit sizable amounts of renewable offshore wind, utilizing New Bedford as a main port,” said Senator Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford).  “This work commissioned by MassCEC will help facilitate the development of this emerging industry, advancing the prospects for significant job creation and economic growth in New Bedford and the entire region.”

"The port study further advances the South Coast's positioning in the Off Shore Wind Industry by surveying eleven of the eighteen sites selected for study and consideration", said House Speaker Pro Tempore, Rep. Patricia A. Haddad. "We have some great locations close to the wind fields and opportunities for the industry to 'plug in' not to mention a varied and adaptable workforce.”

“As with almost any investment, the guiding principle is location. In New Bedford, it is clear that we have the necessary infrastructure to incentivize offshore wind industry investment,” said State Representative Antonio F.D. Cabral (D-New Bedford). “This assessment highlights our capital assets and enhances our appeal to private industry, ensuring that the South Coast remains the key player in this growing industry.”

“We know the potential offshore wind has both environmentally and economically. I appreciate MassCEC’s very thorough analysis,” said Senator Michael Rodrigues (D- Westport). “This study highlights all Massachusetts, and the SouthCoast, have to offer the industry as it continues to grow.”

MassCEC is funded by the Renewable Energy Trust, which was created by the Massachusetts Legislature in 1998. A systems benefit charge paid by customers of investor owned utilities and five municipal electric departments that have opted into the program funds the trust.