7 numbers that explain offshore wind’s impact in New England – Connecticut Public

Report on the Status and Sustainable Development Implications of the U.S. Offshore Wind Industry

Executive Summary

The United States offshore wind industry is at a critical juncture, facing significant economic and political challenges that threaten its progress. This report analyzes the industry’s current state, focusing on the New England region, and evaluates its contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The development of offshore wind is integral to achieving targets related to clean energy, climate action, economic growth, and sustainable infrastructure.

Contribution to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)

Meeting Future Energy Demands

The expansion of offshore wind is critical for ensuring a reliable and sustainable energy supply for New England, directly supporting SDG 7 and SDG 11. As regional electricity consumption is projected to rise for the first time in two decades, driven by the electrification of heating and transportation, a substantial increase in generation capacity is required.

• Projected Need: By 2050, New England may require twice its current peak electricity capacity.
• Offshore Wind Target: To meet this demand with clean energy, the region is projected to need 30,000 megawatts of offshore wind power by mid-century.
• State-Level Goals: In Massachusetts, offshore wind is expected to fulfill over 50% of the state’s power requirements by 2050.

Project Capacity and Grid Reliability

The successful implementation of key projects like Vineyard Wind and Revolution Wind is fundamental to enhancing the region’s energy infrastructure and reliability, a core tenet of SDG 7.

• Vineyard Wind: 62 turbines with a maximum output of 806 megawatts.
• Revolution Wind: 65 turbines with a maximum output of 704 megawatts.
• Combined Impact: Together, these projects will add 1,510 megawatts of capacity, representing 4.9% of New England’s total generation capacity and powering approximately 750,000 homes.
• Grid Stability: The regional grid operator, ISO New England, has warned that delays to these projects could compromise electric reliability, highlighting their importance for a stable energy system.

Advancement of SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)

Job Creation and Economic Development

The offshore wind industry is a significant driver of economic growth and job creation, aligning with the objectives of SDG 8. The construction and operation of wind farms create numerous employment opportunities, particularly for union labor.

• Vineyard Wind Employment: The project has supported approximately 3,500 jobs as of July 2025, with 42% being union positions. It is expected to create 90 permanent, full-time operational jobs.
• Revolution Wind Employment: This project has supported over 2,000 jobs, with 50% designated for union workers. It is projected to sustain between 32 and 58 full-time workers long-term.

Commitment to SDG 13 (Climate Action)

Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Offshore wind power is a cornerstone of regional strategies to combat climate change and achieve decarbonization goals, directly contributing to SDG 13. By displacing fossil fuel-based power generation, these projects significantly reduce carbon emissions.

• Vineyard Wind: Expected to achieve a net reduction of 1.63 million metric tons of CO2 annually, equivalent to removing 325,000 cars from the road.
• Revolution Wind: Projected to result in a net reduction of 1.38 million metric tons of CO2 annually, equivalent to removing 278,206 cars.
• Long-Term Climate Impact: Over their operational lifespans (30-35 years), the two projects are expected to prevent over 97 million metric tons of CO2 emissions.

Support for SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure)

Technological Performance and Efficiency

The industry demonstrates innovation in renewable energy technology, a key component of SDG 9. Data from the operational South Fork Wind project indicates high performance and reliability.

• Operational Uptime: The South Fork Wind farm produced electricity over 92% of the time in its first year.
• Capacity Factor: The project achieved an average capacity factor of 46.4%, with peaks of 60% in March and April 2025, comparable to modern natural gas power plants (59.9%) and approaching the efficiency of nuclear power (92%).

Strategic Infrastructure Investments

Significant public and private investment in specialized infrastructure underpins the industry’s growth, fostering resilient and sustainable regional development in line with SDG 9.

1. Massachusetts: Has invested over $390 million since 2011.
   • $347 million for infrastructure, including the New Bedford Marine Commerce Terminal and a turbine testing facility in Charlestown.
   • $20.5 million for job training programs.
   • $17 million for research and development.
2. Connecticut: Has invested $211 million, primarily for the redevelopment of the State Pier in New London into an offshore wind staging hub.
3. Rhode Island: Has invested over $100 million in various offshore wind-related initiatives and infrastructure.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article on the U.S. offshore wind industry highlights issues that are directly connected to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The analysis identifies the following relevant SDGs:

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy: The core subject of the article is the development of offshore wind farms, a form of clean and renewable energy. It discusses the need for this energy to meet rising electricity demand and ensure grid reliability.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: The article explicitly details the economic impact of the wind farm projects, including the creation of thousands of temporary construction jobs and permanent operational roles. It also mentions investments driving economic growth in specific cities like New London and New Bedford.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: The development of the offshore wind industry requires significant investment in new, specialized, and sustainable infrastructure. The article highlights hundreds of millions of dollars being invested in ports, staging terminals, and testing facilities.
• SDG 13: Climate Action: A key justification for developing offshore wind is its role in combating climate change. The article quantifies the significant reduction in carbon dioxide emissions that these projects will achieve by replacing fossil fuel-based power generation.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, the following specific SDG targets can be identified:

1. Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
   • Explanation: The article focuses on New England’s plan to add 30,000 megawatts of offshore wind power by mid-century to meet future electricity demand. The Vineyard Wind and Revolution Wind projects alone are expected to add 1,510 megawatts, representing “4.9% of the region’s capacity to generate electricity,” which is a substantial increase in the share of renewable energy.
2. Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men…
   • Explanation: The article details the employment impact, stating that Vineyard Wind has supported “about 3,500 jobs” and Revolution Wind “more than 2,000 jobs.” It also specifies that a significant portion of these are “union positions,” which aligns with the goal of providing decent work.
3. Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure… to support economic development and human well-being.
   • Explanation: The article describes massive financial commitments to build the necessary infrastructure for the offshore wind industry. It mentions that “Massachusetts has invested more than $390 million,” with funds going to the “New Bedford Marine Commerce Terminal, the country’s first offshore wind staging port.” Similarly, Connecticut invested “$211,000,000” to redevelop the State Pier in New London. These are direct investments in sustainable infrastructure to support economic development.
4. Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.
   • Explanation: The development of offshore wind is presented as a key strategy for New England states to “meet their climate goals.” The article quantifies the impact, stating that the Vineyard Wind project is “expected to result in a net reduction of 1.63 million metric tons of carbon dioxide” annually. This demonstrates the integration of climate change mitigation measures into regional energy planning.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article provides several specific quantitative and qualitative indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets.

1. For SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy):
   • Indicator: Installed renewable energy capacity. The article specifies the capacity of the projects, such as “806 megawatts” for Vineyard Wind and “704 megawatts” for Revolution Wind, contributing to a regional goal of “30,000 megawatts.”
   • Indicator: Share of renewable energy in the grid. The article calculates that the two projects will represent “4.9% of the region’s capacity to generate electricity.”
   • Indicator: Efficiency of energy production. The “capacity factor” is mentioned as a key performance metric, with the South Fork Wind project averaging “46.4% over its first 12 months.”
2. For SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth):
   • Indicator: Number of jobs created. The article provides specific figures: “Vineyard Wind has supported about 3,500 jobs” and Revolution Wind has supported “more than 2,000 jobs.” It also mentions the number of long-term jobs, such as “90 full-time jobs” for Vineyard Wind.
   • Indicator: Quality of jobs. The article implies a measure of job quality by noting that for Vineyard Wind, “about 42% of those jobs were union positions,” and for Revolution Wind, “half for union workers.”
3. For SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure):
   • Indicator: Investment in sustainable infrastructure. The article quantifies the financial commitments made by states: “Massachusetts has invested more than $390 million,” “Connecticut has directly invested $211,000,000,” and Rhode Island “has spent more than $100,000,000” on offshore wind-related infrastructure.
4. For SDG 13 (Climate Action):
   • Indicator: Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The article provides precise data on “emissions avoided.” It states Vineyard Wind will cause a “net reduction of 1.63 million metric tons of carbon dioxide” annually, and Revolution Wind will cause a reduction of “1.38 million metric tons.”

4. Table of Findings

Source: ctpublic.org