Connecticut is staying stagnant and reliant on fossil fuels for energy rather than capitalizing on the opportunity to be a leader in renewable energy. By utilizing the power of offshore wind, Connecticut can become a leader in renewable energy, creating economic growth, ensuring energy security, and achieving its climate goals.
Offshore wind is a form of energy that harnesses the power of wind on the ocean and converts it to electricity through wind turbines. It is a source of clean energy, and with the strength of winds out at sea, it is also a very reliable source with minimal downsides, unlike natural gas which is susceptible to price spikes during extreme weather events. Connecticut specifically is in an advantageous position to utilize this source due to its shoreline and ports.
 It should be noted that Connecticut’s current power makeup consists of over 60% natural gas and only 3% renewable energy even though there is a zero percent carbon electric supply goal by 2040. This may be a surprise to some as the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) for Connecticut requires electric providers to purchase a percent of their power from clean energy sources with Alternative Compliance Payments (ACP) in place as penalties for those who don’t comply.
However, the ACP fine is far too low making it more affordable for companies to pay the fine than invest in renewable energy. This is misleading because it appears that the power sector is doing more to move towards clean energy than it actually is. Under the current RPS, the required total percentage is only 37% which is not enough to meet our zero carbon goal by 2040. The most cost effective way to reach this goal is to reduce emissions through wind and solar energy; now is the time to act on offshore wind.Â
It goes without saying that renewable energy sources are much better for the environment than fossil fuels so I won’t repeat the monologue that everyone has already heard. Instead, I’d like to draw from an educational panel hosted by The Environmental Business Council of New England and offer the perspective shared by many institutions and corporations such as those involved with New England for Offshore Wind that offshore wind is more than an environmental benefit, it’s an economic catalyst. Although expensive with upfront costs, developing offshore wind infrastructure will inject billions into Connecticut’s economy while creating thousands of well-paying jobs across diverse industries. From engineers to construction workers, the benefits of offshore wind extend far beyond the turbines themselves.
 Massachusetts and Rhode Island have already seized this opportunity. For example, Massachusetts’ Vineyard Wind project, has created a new supply chain ecosystem from the work involving the turbines which benefits the economy and Rhode Island’s Block Island Wind Farm had immediate economic benefits despite being the first offshore wind project in the U.S.
If Connecticut does not take aggressive action, we risk losing out on these opportunities, as well as falling behind our neighboring states who are already reaping the benefits. The Park City Wind initiative near Bridgeport was a step in the right direction but ultimately fell through. Now the New London State Pier needs renovations costing several million dollars and it is imperative to the state’s future economic gain that these renovations are carried out. Connecticut must do more if it wants to lead.
By developing policies that support offshore wind investment and utilizing the resources we have such as the infrastructure of New London’s State Pier, we can become a national hub for offshore wind. New York State has already capitalized on the New London Pier with the assembly of the turbines for the South Fork Wind Project and is now enjoying its benefits, so why aren’t we?
Like with any major change, offshore wind development has been met with resistance and skepticism. However, the most common concerns stem from a lack of information. One major concern is how it will impact marine ecosystems, and while this is valid, these concerns are exaggerated. Offshore wind projects are designed with environmental stewardship in mind and environmental assessments are performed to ensure that marine habitats are protected. Connecticut has already created a Commission of Environmental Standards that ensures offshore wind projects will not harm marine ecosystems, wildlife, or fisheries.
There is also a lot of communication with different groups to do the least harm possible. For example, in Rhode Island, a task force was created to work with fishers, leading to compensation agreements and modified project designs that balanced energy production with economic needs. If Connecticut moves forward with offshore wind, the Commission for Environmental Standards can be a forum for fishers and other potentially affected groups to advocate for their concerns.Â
Additionally, there has been concern about the appearance of wind farms on the coast ruining beach views. Not to worry, most offshore wind projects are located miles from shore, making turbines barely visible under normal conditions. More than that, the long-term benefits of clean energy such as reduced air pollution and lower greenhouse gas emissions far outweigh the aesthetic considerations in my opinion.
Another argument is the upfront cost of offshore wind projects. While I’ll admit the initial investment is significant, the long-term benefits outweigh the initial costs. Offshore wind prices have already dropped dramatically in the last decade, due to technology advancements and will continue to drop. By investing now with these upfront costs, Connecticut can secure affordable, stable energy prices for decades to come that will most likely get more and more affordable as time goes on. As our neighbor states move forward, they are benefiting from federal subsidies, private investment, and public enthusiasm. If we delay our commitment to offshore wind due to upfront costs, we will miss out on all that Massachusetts and Rhode Island are currently gaining and will no longer become competitors and leaders.
Offshore wind energy is more than a clean energy source, it’s a strategy for economic gain and leadership. By committing to this up-and-coming industry, Connecticut can ensure a future that balances economic growth, environmental stewardship, and energy independence. The time for action is now. Let’s not settle for keeping up with Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Instead, let’s lead the charge, proving that Connecticut can set the standard for innovation and opportunity in the clean energy era.
Brenna O’Brien is a junior at Connecticut College studying biology and environmental studies.