Thriving renewable energy industries are vital to mitigating the dire effects of climate change and ensuring that we have a resilient and robust economy. In the spring of 2021, the Biden-Harris Administration announced a goal of 30 gigawatts (GW) of responsibly developed offshore wind by 2030. According to a fact sheet released by the White House, meeting this target would generate $12 billion per year in capital investment and create 77,000 jobs including good-paying, union jobs by 2030.
As we transition away from fossil fuels, it is vital that we provide high-quality jobs for under-served communities and impacted workers. Some offshore wind developers are answering this call by reaching agreements with local labor unions for the construction of their projects, including for the nation’s first large-scale offshore wind project. Renewable energy industries, especially offshore wind, are a golden opportunity to ensure a just transition by creating quality jobs while fighting climate change. The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) has created a map of career pathways in offshore wind.
In addition to our workforce, businesses stand to gain from a vibrant offshore wind economy as well. Many of our region’s businesses and institutions have ambitious sustainability goals and often have to procure their renewable energy from outside the state or region to meet those goals. Local businesses and institutions could create new opportunities to lead by example and set stronger sustainability goals and reduce their carbon footprints by investing in responsibly developed offshore wind.
Recognizing this potential and the benefits to the larger economy, we encourage businesses and institutions to join the coalition and support our mission. Learn more about how your business can get involved.