Ørsted U.S. Offshore Wind, a renewable energy company, announced on Wednesday it has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Montclair State University to support clean energy research and educational outreach efforts.
Under the agreement, Ørsted will contribute $200,000 to support the university’s Clean Energy and Sustainability Analytics Center, the development of educational events, including stakeholder engagement activities and STEM programming for elementary, middle and high school students, and energy research initiatives.
“Montclair State University has quickly established itself as an innovator relating to the research and assessment of clean and sustainable energy solutions,” Thomas Brostrøm, CEO of Ørsted U.S. Offshore Wind, said. “We are pleased to partner with them as we continue to make progress with our Ocean Wind project.”
Susan A. Cole, president of Montclair State University, said the school is pleased to be part of Gov. Phil Murphy’s vision for a clean energy future for New Jersey.
“Montclair State has invested in the development of important programs and research in renewable energy and environmental science,” Cole said. “Partnerships with leading corporations in the energy sector, such as Ørsted, provide mutually beneficial synergies and much-needed resources that help us educate students and expand both research and outreach initiatives. Governor (Phil) Murphy has expressed a vision for a clean energy future for New Jersey, and the university is pleased to be part of the effort to realize that vision. We are very grateful for Ørsted‘s support and look forward to working with them.”
The CESAC is a public research and technical assistance center focused on supporting clean energy development and energy planning.
“CESAC engages in collaboration, coordination and support across the public and private sectors,” Lora Billings, dean of the College of Science and Mathematics, said. “These activities produce objective, research-based knowledge on key issues facing New Jersey. They also create valuable learning opportunities for our undergraduate, masters and doctoral students, as well as our faculty and research partners.”
Ørsted was selected by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities in June 2019 to develop the state’s first 1,100 MW offshore wind farm located off the coast of Atlantic City. The farm is projected to create more than 3,000 direct jobs annually during construction and power more than 500,000 homes.
“Partnerships like this one with Ørsted demonstrate the value of collaboration between the academic community and private industry in identifying environmental and economic solutions related to clean energy,” CESAC director Pankaj Lal said. “Ørsted’s support will help CESAC contribute to the collective effort to build a sustainable energy economy in New Jersey.”
