Offshore Renewable Energy
The Offshore Wind (OSW) Capacity on the East Coast Is Projected to Reach 20 GW by 2035
The sector is expected to create 20K-35K full-time jobs on the East Coast by 2028, with associated capital investments estimated over $70B. RI is the geographic center of the East Coast waterfront, making the State the most financially sound and operationally efficient location to support OSW construction, assembly, deployment, operations, and maintenance.
In 2015, Rhode Island launched the Block Island Wind Farm – America’s first offshore wind farm – and we promised to go full steam ahead. In the decade since, we have delivered on that promise.
Today, local crews are constructing the Ocean’s State next offshore wind project – Revolution Wind – which will deliver enough power for 350,000 homes across Rhode Island and Connecticut.
State Assets and Capabilities
A statewide review with Blue Economy stakeholders confirms Rhode Island has the physical assets and skilled workforce to support the full wind-farm lifecycle—from permitting through decommissioning. The state features two deepwater ports with offshore wind experience and a diverse supply chain whose companies have worked on South Fork, Revolution, and Vineyard Wind.
Purpose of the Plan
The plan provides a comprehensive, statewide roadmap to expand the offshore wind supply chain, create opportunities for locally based companies and workers, and drive economic growth.
Implementation Approach
Rhode Island will execute six core priorities and launch targeted programs to quickly connect developers, OEMs, and Tier 1/2 suppliers with Rhode Island companies and talent, collaborating with state agencies, education and government institutions, and industry partners to deliver needed products and services on time.
Core Priorities: Growing Rhode Island’s Offshore Wind Leadership
Cluster Focus and Development (Stakeholder and Industry)
Goal: Amplify state industry strengths and create connections between locally based businesses, focusing on companies in permitting and ocean science, logistics, operations & maintenance, and precision manufacturing.
Success Metrics: Increase contract volume between Rhode Island firms and developers/OEMs/Tier-1s, and attract new companies into the state’s offshore wind supply chain.
Education and Opportunity Awareness (RI and the Industry)
Goal: Proactively engage capable Rhode Island companies and connect them with offshore wind opportunities along the East Coast.
Success Metrics: Complete targeted education sessions and coordinate meetings between stakeholders and developers/contractors.
Developer, OEM, and Tier-1 Coordination (Bridge Between Industry and Opportunity)
Goal: Ensure all major developers and manufacturers can easily access Rhode Island assets, resources, and talent as projects launch, enabling best-in-class solutions and partnerships.
Success Metrics: Hold meetings with all major developers and contractors and maintain consistent stakeholder communication.
Create an Opportunity Awareness System (Look for RI Solutions First)
Goal: Build a web-based portal so contractors can find, evaluate, and engage Rhode Island companies across every phase of the wind-farm lifecycle.
Success Metrics: Launch and actively use the system; increase business inquiries between contractors and the supply chain.
Regional Leadership (Resource, Supply Chain, Ports, and Solicitation Sharing)
Goal: Collaborate with neighboring states to share resources and best practices that improve efficiency and reduce costs on approved and constructed projects.
Success Metrics: Establish meaningful collaboration between Rhode Island and at least one other state, as defined by developers or contractors.
Communications (Internal, External, and Consistent)
Goal: Clearly communicate Rhode Island’s offshore wind strengths to build the ecosystem and meet evolving industry needs.
Success Metrics: Grow company inquiries about doing offshore wind in Rhode Island and increase the frequency of Rhode Island mentions in articles and publications.