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Groton Businesses Set to Benefit from Proposed Offshore Wind Farm Project

Vineyard Offshore has promised more work for Groton-based companies if chosen for a 1,200 MW wind project south of Nantucket.
Offshore wind farm could be boon to two Groton businesses

July 04, 2024 2:00 pm

One of the four offshore companies competing to add wind power to Connecticut’s electrical grid is promising more work for two eastern Connecticut companies.

Vineyard Offshore announced a memorandum of understanding with Groton-based companies ThayerMahan and Survival Systems USA, contingent on being chosen by the state for an offshore wind project.

Both companies have previously worked with Vineyard Offshore, the developer of Vineyard Wind, a 806-megawatt, 62-turbine wind farm under construction about 15 miles off Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts. Vineyard Wind 1 claims to be the first operational commercial-scale offshore wind farm in the country.

ThayerMahan provided an acoustic monitoring system for seabed surveys and used bubble curtain technology to reduce noise during offshore wind turbine foundation installation.

“Vineyard Wind 1 allowed us to enter the offshore wind industry and establish our Big Bubble Curtain business in New England. We are excited about continuing our partnership with Vineyard Offshore,” said Richard Hine, president of ThayerMahan.

Vineyard Offshore has also entered a memorandum of understanding with Survival Systems USA, which trains people in water safety for the offshore wind industry. The agreement will support training facility infrastructure, equipment procurement, certifications, workforce training, and capacity.

Since 2020, Survival Systems USA has trained over 1,500 Global Wind Organization members. Last month, the company celebrated its 25th anniversary in Groton, marking the occasion with a ribbon-cutting for a new building housing a 33-foot training tower.

Keith Wille, program manager for Survival Systems USA, stated the company has worked with numerous offshore wind firms, teaching survival techniques and safe worker transfer to offshore turbines.

“We look forward to continuing our work with Vineyard Offshore. Offshore wind has become crucial to our business,” said Maria Hanna, President, and CEO of Survival Systems.

Both Groton companies’ work is contingent on Vineyard Offshore being selected for the 1,200-megawatt Vineyard Wind 2 project, located 29 miles south of Nantucket. The company plans construction work in Salem, secondary manufacturing in Providence, operations in New Bedford, and electricity delivery to the grid via New London.

Vineyard Wind 1 is owned by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners and Avangrid Renewables. Vineyard Wind 2 is owned by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners and Iberdrola, through Avangrid Renewables.

Vineyard Offshore is one of four companies that responded to a multi-state solicitation from Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. Connecticut seeks up to 2,000 megawatts of new offshore wind, adding to the 304 megawatts it is buying from Orsted and Eversource’s Revolution Wind project.

Along with Vineyard Offshore, Orsted, SouthCoast Wind, and Avangrid have submitted bids under the memorandum of understanding among Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island.

The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection expects to announce in the third quarter whether any projects have been accepted for power purchase agreement negotiations.

Original Story at www.theday.com

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Mississippi River Faces Persistent Saltwater Intrusion, Region Seeks Long-Term Solutions



For the third consecutive year, the Mississippi River is experiencing significant saltwater intrusion, prompting local communities and environmental experts to search for sustainable solutions. This recurring issue arises as the river’s flow decreases, allowing saltwater to move upstream and threaten drinking water supplies. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is actively involved in addressing this problem, employing temporary measures like saltwater barriers to mitigate the impact on affected areas.



Saltwater infiltration poses serious risks to public health and agriculture, as freshwater sources become compromised. The situation is exacerbated by prolonged periods of drought, which have reduced freshwater flow in the Mississippi River. According to the National Weather Service, drought conditions have worsened due to climate change, increasing the frequency and severity of saltwater intrusion events.



Local authorities are collaborating with federal agencies to explore permanent solutions. Among the proposed strategies are enhanced levee systems and improved water management techniques. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is evaluating the feasibility of long-term infrastructure projects to prevent further saltwater encroachment. Additionally, community leaders are advocating for increased funding to support these initiatives and safeguard the region’s water resources.



The impact of saltwater intrusion extends beyond drinking water concerns, affecting local ecosystems and agricultural productivity. Farmers in the region have reported crop damage due to elevated salinity levels in irrigation water. The Natural Resources Conservation Service is working with farmers to implement adaptive practices, such as planting salt-tolerant crops and improving soil management techniques.



As the Mississippi River continues to face challenges from saltwater intrusion, stakeholders emphasize the importance of collaborative efforts and innovative solutions. The ongoing threat underscores the need for comprehensive planning and investment to protect one of America’s most vital waterways from the impacts of climate change and environmental stressors.

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Environmental activists have raised concerns over the fossil fuel sector’s significant impact on COP29, the latest United Nations Climate Change Conference. Activists argue that the industry’s presence diverts focus from critical climate actions.



The conference, designed to promote global climate agreements, faces criticism for allowing fossil fuel companies to participate extensively. Environmental groups claim these companies undermine efforts to reduce carbon emissions and transition to renewable energy sources.



According to Climate Action Network, fossil fuel representatives have increased their lobbying activities, aiming to weaken climate policies. These industries allegedly influence negotiations, leading to watered-down commitments that fail to address the urgency of climate change effectively.



Experts suggest that the influence of these companies stems from financial contributions and longstanding relationships with decision-makers. Critics argue that this affects the conference’s ability to enforce meaningful climate change regulations.



During the event, several protests highlighted the need for transparency and a stronger focus on sustainable energy solutions. Activists are calling for increased participation of renewable energy stakeholders in future conferences.



The controversy surrounding fossil fuel involvement at COP29 underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing industrial interests with the global imperative to combat climate change.



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