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Lorri Krebs is pleased to announce a formal partnership with Vineyard Offshore Wind to explore renewable resources, energy policy, workforce development and environmental justice issues through Salem State’s Center for Economic Development and Sustainability (CEDS).

In March, Vineyard Offshore submitted its proposal for a 1,200 megawatt (MW) offshore wind project to Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island in response to the New England states’ solicitations for up to 6,800 MW of total offshore wind capacity. The Vineyard Wind 2 proposal builds on the many successes of Vineyard Wind 1 and includes more than 200 letters of support from local officials, suppliers, and stakeholders for all three states that will see positive economic impact from the proposed project. The proposal is further supported by a historic offshore wind tribal benefit agreement recently signed with the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe.

Development of Vineyard Wind 2 will generate approximately $2.3 billion in direct expenditure and 3,800 job-years of employment across New England, with over $1.5 billion realized in Massachusetts, along with 80% of regional employment. Electricity market impacts and other benefits totaling as much as $4.8 billion over 20 years from adding 1,200 MW of offshore wind to the New England grid include $600 million from reduced wholesale electricity market rates and avoidance of winter price spikes.

In addition, Vineyard Wind 2 will provide up to $37.5 million in directly funded initiatives to promote a diverse and inclusive offshore wind workforce and supply chain, position the region as a global climate innovation lab, address energy burdens in low- and moderate-income households, and advance regional research efforts in fisheries and the environment.

In developing its Vineyard Wind 2 proposal, Vineyard Offshore reached out to community organizations in the Salem area focused on environmental justice issues, including securing workforce opportunities for residents living near the port and reducing potential impacts on communities from port activities. As a result, the company received letters of support from North Shore groups including Salem Alliance for the Environment (SAFE), Salem Chamber of Commerce, and the Salem Partnership, which it included with its proposal, along with more than 200 others.

Dr. Krebs will be assembling a team of expertise from among SSU faculty, UMass Lowell and UMass Amherst to lead data gathering and community building initiatives. Opportunities for student research and internships will be supported until 2029 with possibility to extend for another 5 years.

Any member of SSU community with interest in this project is asked to contact Lorri Krebs at lkrebs@salemstate.edu.