New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers (NEG-ECP) Conference
Brockton (Massachusetts) – BY YVES CAJUSTE – Dr. Sanjay R. Arwade, Associate Director of the Wind Energy Center and professor of civil and environmental engineering at the University of Massachusetts (Amherst) delivered a compelling presentation at the opening of the New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers (NEG-ECP) Conference on Monday September 9, 2024.
Speaking at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Dr. Arwade traced the origins and future of offshore wind energy, emphasizing its roots in Massachusetts. “The idea of offshore wind started right here,” he said, paying tribute to Bill Heronemus, a former Navy captain and ocean engineering professor at UMass, who first envisioned harnessing offshore winds decades ago.
Dr. Arwade highlighted the historical significance of Massachusetts in the offshore wind sector, crediting the state’s long-standing investment in wind energy research and education. The UMass Wind Energy Center has played a critical role in shaping the North American wind industry, producing professionals who have led the charge in renewable energy. “For over 50 years, UMass Amherst has been at the forefront, educating hundreds who have gone on to form the backbone of the wind industry,” he noted.
New England is no stranger to milestones in offshore wind, with Block Island in Rhode Island becoming the first commercial wind farm in North America. The region is also home to pioneering research in floating offshore wind technology, especially in the deeper waters of the Gulf of Maine. Dr. Arwade pointed out that while Europe may have dominated the early stages of offshore wind development, the eastern United States and Canada have the potential to carve out their own path. “We have a lot to learn from Europe,” he admitted, “but there’s a lot we need to do right here in North America.”
Dr. Arwade also stressed the unique challenges the region faces in building offshore wind infrastructure, particularly in dealing with hurricanes, winter storms, and sea icing. “We’re working on developing new foundations that can withstand the harsh conditions off the coast of northeast North America,” said Dr. Arwade. The goal, he emphasized, is to ensure these massive turbines can continue to generate electricity in all weather conditions, supporting both nations’ energy needs.
The presentation also underscored the growing collaboration between the United States and Canada in the offshore wind sector. Dr. Arwade noted that projects are already being planned off the coasts of Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, and Labrador. “Canada’s industrial and transportation infrastructure will be essential in building a robust supply chain for offshore wind,” he added, highlighting the potential for a cross-border partnership in renewable energy development.
One of the most exciting announcements during the presentation was the establishment of the ARROW Center (Academic Center for Reliability and Resilience of Offshore Wind) at UMass Amherst, which will be the first federally funded university-led offshore wind education and research center in the U.S. Dr. Arwade credited the support of Governor Healey’s administration and the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center for making the project a reality. “This center will touch thousands of students over the next five years, preparing them to enter the offshore wind workforce,” he said.
Dr. Arwade also touched on the sheer scale of the offshore wind turbines being developed. With some reaching 17 megawatts of generating capacity, they dwarf the turbines that were once considered state-of-the-art. “These turbines are as tall as some of the tallest human-made structures on the planet,” he remarked, pointing to the significant advancements in turbine technology that are shaping the future of renewable energy.
Despite the challenges, Dr. Arwade remained optimistic about the potential of offshore wind to transform the energy landscape in North America. He urged the audience to think of offshore wind not just as a collection of turbines, but as a massive infrastructure system that needs to be designed with care. “We have a unique opportunity to build a new infrastructure system from the ground up, and we must do it right, ensuring that the benefits and burdens are shared equitably among all communities,” he said.
In closing, Dr. Arwade reflected on the broader impact of offshore wind energy on the future. “It’s an exciting time to be involved in offshore wind,” he said. “We have a chance to build a clean and renewable energy future for the United States, Canada, and the world.” His call to action left the audience with a sense of purpose, emphasizing the critical role both countries will play in achieving renewable energy goals.
