The U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) has announced a substantial investment of nearly $5 million to establish a new national center of excellence aimed at expediting the reliable and equitable deployment of offshore wind energy. The initiative, named the Academic Center for Reliability and Resilience of Offshore Wind (ARROW), will be spearheaded by the University of Massachusetts Amherst in collaboration with approximately 40 partners.
ARROW's mission will revolve around workforce development, targeted research endeavors, and the cultivation of partnerships and strategies to integrate equity into offshore wind development processes. With participation from stakeholders across the United States, this academic and training hub is poised to drive progress towards the ambitious goals outlined by the Biden-Harris Administration.
Jeff Marootian, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, underscored the pivotal role of offshore wind in decarbonizing the U.S. electric grid. Marootian stated, “Offshore wind can play a major role in decarbonizing the US electric grid, and meeting its potential will require skilled workers to propel us forward. This consortium will provide timely and relevant training and education to help foster the domestic offshore wind workforce of tomorrow and secure a clean energy future for all Americans.”
With a focus on addressing the nation's energy transition objectives, ARROW aligns closely with the Biden-Harris Administration's targets of deploying 30GW of offshore wind by 2030, achieving a 100% clean electricity grid by 2035, and transitioning to a net zero emissions economy by 2050. The establishment of this center signifies a significant stride towards bolstering the U.S.'s capacity to harness offshore wind resources while fostering inclusivity and sustainability within the energy sector.
