November 13, 2014
By Neal Tepel
Long Island, NY – A delegation of 19 leading Danish offshore wind companies are visiting Long Island this month to explore the potential of investing in the growing American offshore wind market.
The visit to Long Island – organized by the Trade Council at the Consulate General of Denmark in Chicago – includes stops at the Enterprise Park in Riverhead, and Stony Brook University’s Advanced Energy Research and Technology Center. Organizers hope the visit will encourage an exchange of ideas and the foundation for partnerships and local investments in the near future.
“Long Island is poised to be a leader in the U.S. offshore wind industry. The Danish delegation’s visit is evidence that our energy challenges are great economic development opportunities,” said Long Island Association President and Chief Executive Officer Kevin Law. “Launching an offshore wind industry here could mean new jobs for hundreds of local workers, not to mention local hiring and other investments by overseas companies. We’re proud to show this delegation what Long Island has to offer.”
New York State has recently been exploring its energy options. A clean energy economy has become a focus on Long Island with wind a realistic consideration. Stony Brook University’s Advanced Energy Center is presently conducting research on the use of offshore wind as a source of energy for parts of the Island.
New York's tax free business programs like START-UP NY have made it easier than ever for tech and energy businesses to locate on Long Island and other locations in the state.
Partnering with Denmark, a leader in the offshore wind industry, will help the state achieve greater energy efficiency while growing jobs and the economy. An energy start-up venture with a Denmark offshore wind company would be a perfect fit for Long Island with its vast shore line.
“There is an opportunity associated with offshore wind energy to safeguard our environment and, at the same time, bring hundreds of jobs to our region,” said John R. Durso, President of the Long Island Federation of Labor. “Long Island has a skilled workforce in place to jumpstart a new American industry.”
