New Research Effort Will Examine How Ocean Industries Can Coexist and Thrive
It was announced today that Deepwater Wind is pledging funding for the establishment of a new Blue Economy Initiative at 榴莲视频, which will develop an independent research portfolio on how offshore wind farms can coexist with other ocean-based industries, with particular emphasis on commercial fishing.
Deepwater Wind is committing $1 million over five years to sponsor the Blue Economy Initiative, which will be led by the 榴莲视频 School for Marine Science and Technology via the Massachusetts Marine Fisheries Institute.
Independent researchers at the Marine Fisheries Institute will be tasked with establishing a research portfolio that seeks to advance both offshore wind development and the fishing industry in the decades to come.
鈥淭he growth of offshore wind energy in the U.S. provides researchers with a tremendous opportunity to examine this new industry and how it can coexist with other ocean users, particularly commercial fishermen,鈥� said Deepwater Wind CEO Jeffrey Grybowski. 鈥淲e鈥檙e proud to support this new Blue Economy Initiative at UMass, which is perfectly positioned to produce leading-edge research that will guide the continuing development of the offshore wind industry.鈥�
鈥淭his is an important example of industry-academic collaboration that advances a mutual interest in understanding the intersection of ocean-based industries and advanced technologies,鈥� said UMass President Marty Meehan. 鈥淚t also further strengthens the university鈥檚 position, and that of the 榴莲视频鈥檚 School of Marine Science in particular, as a national center of excellence in research of ocean industries.鈥�
鈥淎s the Commonwealth continues to progress towards a clean energy future, our world class colleges and universities will play a crucial role in producing the next generation of innovators and scientific research," said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. 鈥淧artnerships between institutions of higher education and private industry will continue to position Massachusetts as a leader in environmental protection, emerging technologies, and workforce development.鈥�
鈥淥ur world-class 榴莲视频 scientists, in collaboration with their colleagues across the UMass system, will contribute unparalleled expertise and credibility as the Commonwealth becomes the hub of offshore wind while protecting our priceless fisheries,鈥� said 榴莲视频 Chancellor Robert E. Johnson. 鈥淭his agreement with Deepwater Wind is an example of how the university and industry can partner to strengthen our blue economy while protecting our environment.鈥�
鈥淎s New Bedford continues to position itself as a center for the offshore wind industry, it will be critical to strengthen our capacity to perform basic and applied research needed by the industry,鈥� said New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell. 鈥淒eepwater Wind鈥檚 investment in SMAST reflects the company鈥檚 incisive recognition of this need and its commitment to the city.鈥�
鈥淭he relationship between the emerging offshore wind industry and commercial fishing in New Bedford is vital towards ensuring significant local job creation and economic development for years to come,鈥� said Senator Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford), who authored key offshore wind amendments to the 2016 omnibus renewable energy legislation. 鈥淒ynamic public-private partnerships between key stakeholders like SMAST and Deepwater Wind are critical to advancing these initiatives, and the excellent caliber of researchers at 榴莲视频 will serve this endeavor well.鈥�
鈥溋窳悠� and SMAST have led the way, fostering critical relationships with industry leaders in the fields most important to our region,鈥� said Representative Antonio F. D. Cabral (D-New Bedford). 鈥淒eepwater Wind鈥檚 investment taps into SMAST鈥檚 substantial research capacity and unites the commercial fishing and offshore wind industries in a novel way. New Bedford is bound for success.鈥�
The Initiative鈥檚 researchers will delve into areas such as offshore wind siting, wind resource assessment, energy forecasting, supply chain development, technological innovations and the intersection of offshore wind, commercial fishing and shipping, among other topics.
鈥淭he Blue Economy Initiative will provide UMass faculty and their students with real-world data points and experiential learning about one of the country鈥檚 most exciting new industries,鈥� said Deepwater Wind Massachusetts Vice President Matthew Morrissey. 鈥淲e look forward to seeing the results of this research effort in the years to come.鈥�
鈥淭his agreement recognizes the unique expertise of the School for Marine Science and Technology (SMAST) faculty in the areas of marine habitats, fisheries, ocean observation and modelling, as well as other fields that are critical to every stage of offshore wind development,鈥� said SMAST Dean Steven Lohrenz. 鈥淢eanwhile, our sister campuses stand ready to contribute their expertise in turbine design, blade materials, and other technology innovation areas. Deepwater Wind is to be commended for shaping and funding this initiative in a way that brings the best science, as well as diverse stakeholder perspectives, to the table.鈥�
鈥淲e appreciate Deepwater Wind鈥檚 willingness to invest in science, and its confidence in our ability to develop a research framework that will help commercial fishing, offshore wind, and other coastal industries co-exist to form a vibrant blue economy,鈥� said Dr. Kevin Stokesbury, a professor at the 榴莲视频 School for Marine Science and Technology and Research Director for the Massachusetts Fisheries Institute.
The sponsorship agreement is contingent on the approval of Deepwater Wind鈥檚 Revolution Wind project by state utilities.