Rhode Island Looks to Develop Offshore Wind Industry

Rhode Island is serious about developing its offshore wind industry. A conference is being hosted by Governor Donald L. Carcieri and the state Economic Development Corp. to tap the expertise of industry representatives, government officials and colleges.

The conference which has been labelled the Northeast Offshore Wind Summit was held on Monday and Tuesday at the Providence Biltmore. The issues that were discussed include developing the state’s ocean resources and training workers for the offshore wind industry.

The conference also highlighted how a German city has been harnessing and using offshore power to update the state’s management plan. Tourism development officials even feel that such projects would become a major tourist draw.

Panelist Jim Lanard, the president of the Offshore Development Coalition said that no one state would be big enough to handle the fledgling industry. He expected all the states in the Northeast to play their part in developing the offshore wind industry.