Energy Case Studies

Case Studies

Offshore Wind Supply Chain Directory Open for Connecticut Business Connections

The Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT) achieved a milestone by establishing Connecticut’s first Offshore Wind Supply Chain Directory for business connections and engagement, built in collaboration with AVANGRID’s Park City Wind, the State of Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), and AdvanceCT.  The directory can be accessed by interested businesses at https://offshorewind.ccat.us for self-registration and already provides connections for over 4,000 suppliers, 1,600 of which are Connecticut companies.

According to Dr. Joel Rinebold, CCAT’s Director of Energy, “The Offshore Wind Supply Chain Directory is one of the most complete supply chain directories for offshore wind in the U.S. All businesses, especially women-owned and minority-owned businesses, are encouraged to participate in this opportunity to expand the supply chain for renewable energy.” This supply chain program will be coordinated with the procurement of local supplies for the development and construction of the 804-MW Park City Wind offshore wind project, with offices to be located in Bridgeport, CT. “Projects like these bring important economic benefits to local communities, and we’re proud to work with the state in strengthening the local supply chain,” said Marcus Brown, Park City Wind’s Workforce Development Coordinator.  “Connecticut has opened its doors for the renewable energy industry to establish itself in Connecticut,” said DECD Deputy Commissioner Alexandra Daum. “As offshore wind developers and suppliers consider doing business in Connecticut, this directory will make it much easier for them to understand the ecosystem and capabilities we already have here.”  Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Commissioner Katie Dykes said, “As Connecticut works to decarbonize its electric grid to achieve a 100% zero carbon electric sector by 2040, resources like the Offshore Wind Supply Chain Directory will be critical to connect local suppliers with project developers and capture economic development benefits for the State in addition to the greenhouse gas emission reductions associated with offshore wind development.” 

 

CCAT Participation on the Connecticut Hydrogen Task Force

With the intent to increase the amount of renewable energy produced in Connecticut, CCAT assessed the The Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology continues to participate as a Co-Chair of the Hydrogen Users sub-group for the Legislative Hydrogen Power Task Force (Connecticut Special Act 22-8 (2022) AN ACT ESTABLISHING A TASK FORCE TO STUDY HYDROGEN POWER).  The Task Force shall report on : (1) A review of regulations and legislation needed to guide the development and achievement of economies of scale for the hydrogen ecosystem in the state, (2) an examination of how to position the state to take advantage of competitive incentives and programs created by the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, (3) recommendations for workforce initiatives to prepare the state’s workforce for hydrogen fueled energy-related jobs, (4) an examination of the sources of potential clean hydrogen, including, but not limited to, wind, solar, biogas and nuclear, (5) recommendations for funding and tax preferences for building hydrogen-fueled energy facilities at brownfield sites through the Targeted Brownfield Development Loan Program, (6) recommendations regarding funding sources for developing hydrogen fueled energy programs and infrastructure, and (7) recommendations for potential end uses of hydrogen-fueled energy.  The Final Report is due no later than January 15, 2023. https://www.cga.ct.gov/2022/act/sa/pdf/2022SA-00008-R00HB-05200-SA.pdf

The 2020 CCAT Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Development Plan (Roadmap), which was developed in concert with, and support from, the US Department of Energy, the US Small Business Administration, the Connecticut hydrogen and fuel cell industry,  and other stakeholders will be considered for update.  The CCAT Roadmap made recommendations for the  installation/deployment of hydrogen and fuel cells for stationary power, vehicles, and supporting hydrogen infrastructure to meet economic, environmental, and energy needs, including:

  • 170 MW fuel cell electric generation capacity;
  • 591 FCEVs (548 light duty vehicles and 43 transit/paratransit buses) as zero emission vehicles (ZEV);
  • Six to seven hydrogen refueling stations (to support FCEV/FCEB deployment).

Locations where fuel cell installations are both technically and economically viable include a wide range of private, state, and federal buildings used for offices, manufacturing, data management, warehousing, large retail, education, food sales and services, lodging, in-patient healthcare, and public order and safety. Similarly, fuel cell installations may also be viable at wastewater treatment plants, landfills, telecommunications sites, seaports, high-traffic airports, and for electric grid service. Locations for FCEVs and hydrogen refueling would be technically and economically viable in areas of the state where fleets, early market adopters, and hydrogen users co-exist. Based on a 2017 IMPLAN economic analysis, Connecticut’s hydrogen and fuel cell supply chain contributed to the region’s economy by providing:

  • approximately $601 million in revenue and investment;
  • more than 2,800 direct, indirect and induced jobs;
  • over $31 million in state and local tax revenue; and
  • over $286 million in labor income.

https://www.ccat.us/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/2020-CT_H2_Fuel_Cell_Dev_Plan_w-Cover-PDF-1-8-20_2-1.pdf