Orsted US chief welcomes 'historic' infrastructure act
ReNews.biz, November 17, 2021
Orsted Offshore North America chief executive David Hardy (pictured) has welcomed US President Joe Biden signing into law the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
The Act has allocated funding to invest in the country's energy transition and power infrastructure.
Hardy, who attended the ceremony at the White House said: "We commend President Biden and Congressional leaders for passing and signing into law the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
"This historic law will help expedite some of the foundational infrastructure upgrades to our ports and electrical grid needed to spur the creation of a US offshore wind industry.
"Orsted has six US wind farms currently in development, and we operate America’s first offshore wind farm at Block Island.
"These projects will produce approximately 4GW contributing to President Biden’s goal of 30GW of offshore wind energy by 2030, and will power millions of homes in Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey and Maryland.
“More than that, we’re already investing millions of dollars into a new US manufacturing industry as we build a domestic offshore wind supply chain that’s creating jobs today not only in the Northeast but in South Carolina, Texas and Nebraska as just a few examples.
“Reports indicate US offshore wind will create economic opportunity in 44 states.
"As a US Navy veteran and someone committed to building a domestic offshore wind sector, I know the value American ingenuity offers to growing industries, especially when it draws upon expertise and innovation from the entire country.
“Orsted will continue to play a leading role in helping the Administration achieve its 30GW target, and we look forward to continuing to work with the Administration and Congressional leaders in advancing critical jobs and climate investments in the Build Back Better legislation that are needed to secure America’s clean energy future."