FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JULY 28, 2023
Contact: Press@vineyardwind.com
(NEW BEDFORD, MA) – Vineyard Wind, a joint venture between Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) and AVANGRID, Inc. (NYSE: AGR), held an opening reception for a new educational exhibit that will be hosted at Bristol Community College’s Wind Power Lab in Downtown New Bedford. The exhibit will engage and educate families and local community members on the nation's first commercial scale offshore wind project, the fundamentals of energy use, as well as this project’s environmental and economic benefits.
“New Bedford in many ways is the birthplace of offshore wind in the US, especially now as we are actively building this first in the nation project,” said Vineyard Wind CEO Klaus S. Moeller. “We wanted to build this exhibit so that we could bring the industry closer to home for residents, and to build excitement around the many opportunities this industry is bringing to the city. I urge everyone to come, check it out, and see all this industry has to offer.”
The exhibit will not only connect visitors to the Vineyard Wind project, but also showcase the emerging offshore wind industry and what it can accomplish to create jobs, build out supply chains, and provide a positive economic impact for local residents. Additionally, the exhibit will showcase Vineyard Wind’s commitment to environmental research and scientific studies, ensuring sustainable and responsible projects that mitigate impacts.
“The center will offer a fun way to learn about the offshore wind industry,” said Mayor Jon Mitchell. “I encourage parents to bring their children to view the exhibits and take advantage of the interactive learning opportunities.”
“New Bedford is the launching pad for the nation’s emerging offshore wind industry thanks to the strong leadership of our legislative delegation and sizable investments from the legislature and private sector,” said Senator Mark Montigny, who has been a strong supporter of Senate initiatives to expand sustainable energy programs. “This new, job-generating industry has the potential to literally transform our economy, lower energy costs, and help promote a cleaner environment, but we must do more to connect our residents and young people with these opportunities. Vineyard Wind’s latest effort in collaboration with Bristol Community College will help make these connections and we sincerely appreciate their efforts.”
“We’ve been talking a lot about offshore wind in New Bedford, but now that Vineyard Wind I components are arriving at the commerce terminal, we need to be ready for the reality of it,” said State Representative Antonio F. D. Cabral. This new educational installation at BCC’s Wind Power Lab will be an interactive opportunity to learn about the multifaceted impacts of offshore wind – from the design of the wind turbines and the scientific research that is being conducted alongside the project, to personal stories from offshore wind workers, and virtual reality modules that will take you onto a platform. I hope our young people will enjoy this exhibit and that it sparks their interest in renewable energy and looking for innovative solutions to the challenges that lie ahead.”
