Wind farms are poised for development in federal lease areas off Massachusetts, as the U.S. continues to pivot toward renewable energy sources. An effort is afoot to ensure Vineyarders capitalize on the labor opportunities that come with these wind farms.
Through a partnership between ACE MV and Bristol Community College, the first cohort of Vineyard-based wind technicians is in the pursuit of offshore wind technician certificates. The two-year program will prepare students with the technical expertise needed to repair and maintain the electromechanical components within the nacelles atop offshore turbines.
Meanwhile, the Tisbury Marine Terminal, a facility meant to berth special vessels that will service the coming wind farms, continues to progress. Students presently studying for their certificates are now well-positioned to be the technicians those vessels convey to the wind farms for upkeep, according to Richard Andre, president of the renewable energy nonprofit Vineyard Power, Vineyard Wind’s partner on Martha’s Vineyard. Andre said the marine terminal and the certificate program will foster well-paid, year-round jobs for about 40 Islanders. And while the coming marine terminal is meant to service all coming wind farms, Andre said it will undoubtedly first provide service for Vineyard Wind 1, an 800-megawatt, 84-turbine project slated for operation in 2023.