Offshore wind study explores impact of industry in areas like New London
New London is at the center of Connecticut’s offshore wind industry, with the nearly complete Revolution Wind project already delivering power and promising more than 1,000 jobs. But while the development is fueling optimism, a new study shows some residents are uncertain whether the economic benefits will last.
The Revolution Wind project, which began delivering power in March, is expected to be fully operational later this year. City leaders said it represents a major opportunity for economic growth in New London.
“60 % are classified as the working poor, and 20% of our community still lives below the poverty line, and so we do look at this industry as an opportunity,” Mayor Michael Passero said.
Researchers from the University of Rhode Island spent months interviewing community members in New London and two other areas to better understand public expectations surrounding offshore wind development.
The study found strong interest in the industry, but also concerns about whether it will lead to stable, long-term employment.
“They’re really looking for this opportunity to find jobs that are good jobs where they can buy a house, raise a family, and live in the community,” said David Bidwell, a professor of marine affairs at the University of Rhode Island.
Those concerns are echoed by educators in the community who said students are already thinking about their futures in the industry.
“A lot of my students were asking their parents for future jobs or for them for future jobs when they graduate, so jobs are very important out here,” said Amy Golden, a middle school teacher in New London.
While the project is seen as a key economic driver, residents like Golden said they want developers to invest more broadly in the community beyond job creation.
She would like to see developers engage more directly with local schools to build interest early.
“I would love for them to come and work more with the schools, even at the middle school level, just to get them excited,” Golden said.
The study itself was cut short last October after federal grant funding was pulled, limiting the scope of researchers’ recommendations. Still, researchers hope the findings can help inform future policy decisions.
“We’re really looking to think of our role to amplify those voices, to get those messages out,” Bidwell said.
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