NYSERDA is partnering with the Carbon Trust and the Renewables Consulting Group (RCG) in the development of the Consortium, which will further be supported through a public-private partnership including the offshore wind industry, utilities, research laboratories, and other states.
In recent months, momentum in the United States offshore wind market has grown, with ambitious targets set by states such as New York and New Jersey, and Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut awarding contracts for approximately 1.4 GW of new capacity. This Consortium will support these, and other offshore wind developers and states, to deliver commercial-scale offshore wind projects, at lower costs.
The Consortium took inspiration from the Carbon Trust’s flagship Offshore Wind Accelerator (OWA) programme, which since its inception in 2008 has delivered significant cost reduction through the development and delivery of collaborative innovation and R&D projects. Building on this proven industry-led approach the Consortium will focus on projects defined together with the offshore wind developers, who will help steer the projects to ensure maximum impact and value for money
The Consortium’s programme will advance offshore wind plant technologies; develop innovative methods for wind resource and site characterization; and support advanced technology solutions for installation, operation, maintenance, and the supply chain. The strategic aim is to reduce the cost of offshore wind in the United States.
Jan Matthiesen, Director, Carbon Trust, marked the award, “The Carbon Trust is pleased to bring our significant experience and industry-led approach to steer this important research and development programme. We have been at the forefront of delivering cost reduction across the European offshore wind market and we are excited to be involved in helping translate these cost reductions to a new market with enormous potential. The United States has ambitions to be the world leader in installed offshore wind capacity, and it is exactly this sort of collaborative program that can help deliver on that goal.”
Doug Pfeister, Managing Director, RCG, commented, “I am proud to serve in a leadership role of the National Offshore Wind Research and Development Consortium and support the venture with RCG’s experienced staff. We're delighted that the DOE has selected RCG, NYSERDA and the Carbon Trust to advance R&D efforts for offshore wind energy in the United States. The team assembled will deliver incredible value as we look to bring much more of this powerful renewable resource into the energy mix in New York and beyond."
Alicia Barton, President and CEO, NYSERDA, said, “NYSERDA is pleased to be working with the Carbon Trust and Renewables Consulting Group to establish the first federally supported offshore wind research and development consortium in the United States. Building off the success seen in Europe, the consortium’s work will provide valuable technical and analytical insight lowering the costs of offshore wind to develop a robust and thriving industry that will lead to job creation and economic development. The work conducted by the consortium complements Governor Cuomo’s call to build offshore wind in a cost-effective and responsible way that will benefit all New Yorkers.”
The US$ 18.5 million grant from the DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) will be matched by financial support from NYSERDA and is for a term of four years. DOE has also announced provision of an additional US$2 million to DOE’s national laboratories to support the Consortium’s R&D activities. Building on successful European models, the Consortium is engaging private sector support that will allow it to chart a path to financial self-sufficiency, so it can continue its work when federal support ends.
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About the Carbon Trust
Established in 2001, the Carbon Trust works with businesses, governments and institutions around the world, helping them contribute to – and benefit from – a more sustainable future through carbon reduction, resource efficient strategies, and commercialising low carbon businesses, systems and technologies.
We work with corporates and governments, helping them to align their strategies with climate science and meet the goals of the Paris Agreement.
We provide expert advice and assurance, giving investors and financial institutions the confidence that green finance will have genuinely green outcomes.
We provide independent insight and support the development low carbon technologies and solutions, building the foundations for the energy system of the future.
Headquartered in London, we have a global team of over 30 nationalities based across five continents.
About The Renewables Consulting Group
RCG is a specialized expert services firm supporting the global renewable energy sector. From strategy to implementation, the company serves businesses, governments, and non-profits around the world with technical and management consulting services for both mainstream and emerging renewable energy technologies. RCG works with the public sector, private equity and financial services firms, utilities and project developers, equipment manufacturers, and engineering and construction companies for on- and off-shore wind, solar, and emerging technologies including wave and tidal and energy-storage projects. RCG is headquartered in London, and has offices in New York, Amsterdam, Taipei and elsewhere. For more information, visit our website at www.thinkrcg.com or connect with us on Twitter via @thinkrcg
About NYSERDA
NYSERDA, a public benefit corporation, offers objective information and analysis, innovative programs, technical expertise, and funding to help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency, save money, use renewable energy, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. NYSERDA professionals work to protect the environment and create clean-energy jobs. NYSERDA has been developing partnerships to advance innovative energy solutions in New York State since 1975. To learn more about NYSERDA’s programs and funding opportunities, visit nyserda.ny.gov or follow on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, or Instagram.
Media Contacts
For the Carbon Trust
Ainslie Macleod
Senior PR Manager
Ainslie.Macleod@carbontrust.com
+44 (0) 7769 142 167
For The Renewables Consulting Group
Sarah Wood
Senior Associate
sarah.wood@thinkrcg.com
+44 (0)300 303 3061
