Funded Projects

Albany: Offshore Wind Technology Workforce Training Program

The goal of the proposed project is to develop a comprehensive micro-credential and a project-oriented capstone program for offshore wind energy workforce training in NYS. Offshore wind workforce training is a critical component of the renewable energy industry. Developing and expanding curricula to train students will not be successful, unless it is paired with projects that can attract and inspire students. The University at Albany will work to develop the training program in partnership with SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly). The aim of the program is to ensure that the students and local workforce are equipped with the skills and expertise necessary to support the growth of the offshore wind industry in the State. 

The partners will develop several courses and assign capstone projects focusing on environmental site studies, installation, maintenance, new materials used in blades, wind energy economics, and operation of offshore wind turbines and farms. This program will provide; {i) in class training that matches the student’s level of knowledge, (ii) hands on experience. Our vision is to promote sustainable energy practices, support workforce development, and contribute to the growth of the offshore wind industry while ensuring equitable access and participation.

 

Buffalo: Preparing the Offshore Wind Workforce Pipeline

The University at Buffalo and Farmingdale State College will create awareness of good-paying supply chain jobs among young adults across Western New York, as well as nontraditional learners, and transitioning employees throughout the state. Outreach will focus on students in regional high schools and community colleges, as well as transitioning workers/nontraditional learners attending job fairs and college fairs held in four key cities across the state. Interested prospects will be provided free access to a new awareness-building online course that promotes supply chain occupations and existing training programs through the SUNY system and with skilled trades.

 

Farmingdale: Offshore Wind Workforce Advanced Micro-credential

The purpose of this project is to build upon the offshore-wind micro-credential program that is currently under development at Farmingdale State College (FSC) in collaboration with SUNY-Polytechnic Institute. While the program currently consists of fundamental courses and training in wind turbine technology, the proposed project focuses on building capacity at FSC by creating a new laboratory space furnished with appropriate state-of-the-art equipment and instruments. The new infrastructure will allow for the advanced-level course development that builds on the fundamental courses of the program. Students will be able to diagnose and analyze complex problems associated with wind-turbine technology, such as micro-cracks, delamination, erosion and other operational and engineering defects. In addition, students will gain broad theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience relevant to a variety of applications. In this proposal, we will develop an advanced course with lab components that utilize the new equipment. The final stage is to implement the micro-credential program for the first cohort of students.

The course will be offered as a technical elective in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology curriculum and focuses on diagnosing/monitoring the structural health of wind-turbines. The course/lab targets both long-term workforce development through curriculum expansion as well as building capacity to address near-term industry needs through an advanced-training program aimed at offshore-wind-technology operation. The course will be open to Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology and Mechanical Engineering Technology students in the School of

 

Farmingdale: Preparing the Workforce for Cutting-Edge Manufacturing in Offshore Wind

The offshore wind industry is facing unprecedented growth, driven by ambitious energy goals in 2030. However, challenges remain, particularly in optimizing logistics, cost reduction, and workforce preparation. This proposal presents a comprehensive strategy to address these challenges by preparing a highly skilled and diverse offshore wind workforce for cutting-edge manufacturing Processes. Our initiative aligns closely with the priority focus areas outlined by OWTI. We intend to conduct research, including feasibility studies based on established Additive Manufacturing (AM) needs in Europe, and investigate the efficiency of next-generation manufacturing processes for producing wind turbine components and tooling. We will focus on performing preliminary research specific to

cutting-edge manufacturing processes for offshore wind within New York State. Powered by data analytics, we will seek to inform higher education institutions on future curriculum development. Finally, we will use the information revealed by our research in creation of practical modules to complement existing manufacturing courses at Farmingdale State College. Additionally, as a central element of this project, we will conduct engagement and outreach programs targeting current and future manufacturing workers. These programs aim to include, but not be limited to, young individuals from under-resourced communities.

 

Hudson Valley Community College -  Strengthening the Offshore Wind Energy Workforce: Creating the Capital Region Pipeline for Wind Turbine Service Technicians in New York State

The nine gigawatts goal of installed offshore wind (OSW) in New York State by 2035 is expected to create significant employment growth in the manufacturing, construction, and related industries. As stated in the 2022 New York Offshore Wind Workforce Gap Analysis, wind turbine service technicians represent one of the top four areas with a severe shortage of manpower resources to support NY's upcoming offshore wind industry. To address this critical need, Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC) proposes creating a new Wind Energy Fundamentals microcredential to cover the recommended courses for wind turbine service technicians per the GWO Entry Level Wind Technician Framework. The project will target individuals with basic knowledge in technical areas (i.e., recent graduates from technical academic programs or transitioning from adjacent technical industries) and individuals with no formal technical background but who are interested in participating in the upcoming OSW industry. In both cases, candidates may have no previous experience or background in the offshore wind industry. The project aims to prepare the participants for further company-specific training from wind turbine manufacturers or wind energy service contractors.

 

Morrisville: Renewable Energy Training Center's Offshore Wind Technician Training

The project will expand upon SUNY Morrisville’s established renewable energy experiential learning curriculum and training infrastructure through targeted program development and partner-driven, grant-incentivized outreach efforts for the offshore wind industry. SUNY Morrisville brings 15 years of renewable energy workforce development experience through the Renewable Energy Training Center (RETC) and credit-bearing courses in the Renewable Energy B. Tech. and Renewable Energy Technology A.A.S. programs. SUNY Morrisville’s state-of-the-art laboratories and classroom facilities at the $16 million Agricultural and Clean Energy Technology Center will be leveraged. SUNY Morrisville’s experience includes developing and teaching K-12 renewable energy and sustainability educational events, developing and leading train-the-trainer workshops, and teaching entry-level and advanced technician training and advanced system design using real-world use cases. The proposed project addresses priority focus areas 1 and 2 by tailoring existing courses and curriculum for a Wind Turbine Technician micro-credential and a new 2-semester certificate program. Priority focus areas 3 and 4 will be pursued through collaborations with local organizations, outreach to under-represented communities by grant-facilitated scholarships for micro-credentials and certificates, Renewable Energy degrees, and STEM student workshops. These initiatives will address the critical skill gaps of Plant and System Operators and Wind Turbine Service Technicians. With the existing curriculum and facilities highly relevant to wind energy industry skills development, along with input from industry partners, SUNY Morrisville will effectively integrate the offshore wind industry-specific customizations within the 18-month project timeframe. These initiatives will continue to contribute to the offshore wind industry talent supply beyond the project timeframe.

 

Oneonta: SUNY Oneonta/ONC BOCES Offshore Wind Program

The State University of New York (SUNY) Oneonta/Otsego Northern Catskill, Board of Cooperative Educational Services (ONC BOCES) Offshore Wind Energy Pipeline Program is designed to provide high school students and SUNY Oneonta students with a clear pathway to careers in offshore wind energy, other renewable energies, and ancillary areas such as battery storage. The pipeline will start in the ONC BOCES Mechatronics and the New Visions Engineering programs, where students will learn about wind energy, and renewable energy within classes and advance their learning through meetings with industry experts and trips to wind energy installations, manufacturers, and other related industries. BOCES students will also have the opportunity to pursue microcredentials in wind technology and renewable energy and engage in lab work in the Sustainable Energy Demonstration Lab (SEDL). The SEDL will support research projects in offshore wind energy and renewable energies. SUNY Oneonta students can pursue microcredentials and the 3+2 engineering program in Applied Physics with a focus on sustainable energy. The SEDL will include industry fellows that act in an advisory capacity for the lab, faculty, teachers, and students.

 

Polytechnic Institute - SPOWT2: Enabling Broader Training and Workshops

The proposal aims to develop a strong workforce training program to increase the number of engineers, scientists, and engineering technicians with the skills to contribute to the current offshore wind industry and help foster its growth. For the Round 1 funding, we developed a plan to enhance workforce training in the design, construction, and manufacture of offshore wind including expanding curriculum, undergraduate research, hand-on labs, and K-12 summer camps to make SUNY Poly campus the hub for promoting and supporting offshore wind industries in NY with collaboration with GE and Hopkins’ ROSEI. In this new request, we propose to include additional areas and training opportunities as a complementary effort. In particular, utilizing the expertise in our College of Business to add curriculum in critical areas of economics and policy regulation for offshore wind. Meanwhile, we will also develop an exclusive, industry-partnered, capstone project module, dedicated and intensive workshops for broad industrial impacts, expanded advance certificate programs for local community colleges graduates, and added focus areas pertaining to the offshore wind in our planned civil and mechanical engineering graduate programs. An additional collaboration is established with UMass Wind Energy Center. Similar to Round 1 funding, the breadth of the proposed work includes significant support for OWTI’s priority focus areas 1, 3 and 4. This proposal will also provide opportunities to reinforce the curriculum development and micro-credentials and advance certificates. Overall, the proposal work will create a clear, fast-tracked pathway for students and professionals to successfully enter the booming offshore wind workforce.

 

Stony Brook University: Offshore Wind and Renewable Power Systems Laboratory and Training

Stony Brook University, in partnership with Farmingdale State College and Suffolk County Community College, proposes the construction of an analog-focused laboratory and complimentary training program for those who have completed an electronics or engineering associate degree, striving to upskill in or enter the utility workforce, or currently earning credentials in energy-focused courses. The Offshore Wind and Renewable Power Systems Laboratory and Training Program utilizes Festo’s LabVolt equipment for hands-on experiential learning. Supported by lectures from engineering faculty, the program consists of five modules to be completed over 12 visits to the Advanced Energy Research and Technology Center, totaling 30 hours. Two 15-student cohorts will earn a micro-credential by completing lab training in topics such as DC Power Electronics, Single-Phase AC Power Electronics, Three-Phase AC Power Electronics, Thyristors Power Electronics, Three-Phase PWM Rectifier/Inverter, Home Energy Production, Lead-Acid Batteries, and Solar Power. Specific focus will be on offshore wind energy characteristics and its impact on energy system control, energy storage size matching, and critical problems, as well as their solutions, associated with offshore wind generation. As New York prepares for increased electrification, HVDC transmission, and grid integration from renewable energy sources, a trained workforce of electricians, technicians, line crews, and substation workers will be crucial to achieving climate goals. Prioritized registration will be given to those from NYSERDA-designated underserved communities. This program provides a career-growth pathway for entry-level professionals, as well as other advanced education programs, such as a bachelor’s degree, and, thus, serves as a critical linkage for workforce development in the renewable energy ecosystem.

 

Stony Brook University - WINDPLUS: Accelerating Offshore Wind Integration in New York’s Digitally Enhanced, Modernized Power Grid – Workforce Learning, Upskilling and Strengthening

Accelerating the realization of a digitally enhanced high-performance power grid for New York State is the essential pathway towards safely accommodating, delivering, and utilizing the massive offshore wind (OSW) energy. However, there is a crucial lack of workforce preparedness to support this transition. To fulfill the urgent needs, SBU’s College of Engineering and Applied Sciences (CEAS), School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (SoMAS), School of Professional Development (SPD) and University Honors Programs (UHP) jointly propose WINDPLUS, an interdisciplinary OSW Education Hub to develop workforce highly needed for planning, building and operating next-generation, digitalized power grids (i.e., transmission, distribution and microgrids) capable of accommodating massive OSW. We will: (1) build the nation’s largest immersive, all-digital learning environment for OSW workforce training; (2) create multi-level programs, comprising CEAS and SoMAS curriculum, micro-credentials and pre-college programs, to offer tangible education products on cutting-edge OSW and grid digitalization technologies; (3) develop equity-focused training activities to promote the equitable and long-term involvement of minority and disadvantaged populations. The team has nation-leading research achievements from $80M+ federal and industry grants, and strong partnerships with OSW industries and governments, such as LIPA, Siemens, GE, Hitachi, Sunrise Wind, Ørsted and Eversource, as well as the New York Climate Exchange, a $700M climate research, education, and jobs hub of which SBU is the anchor institution. We commit to fostering an inclusive and equitable culture and offer unparalleled training, education, and outreach activities to nurture the next-generation workforce for the resilient integration of OSW in NY’s future digital power grids.

 

Stony Brook University - Navigating The Clean Energy Transition and the Offshore Wind Industry: An interdisciplinary program for emerging, existing, and transitional professionals in the clean energy workforce.

According to the 2022 New York State Offshore Wind (OSW) Workforce Gap Analysis report, by 2030, the offshore wind industry is projected to see significant growth, with management and professional positions accounting for just over 34% of expected OSW occupations. This project will provide an interdisciplinary 30-hour program to educate emerging, existing, and transitioning professionals from numerous sectors in the landscape of the clean energy transition and the role of offshore wind. To enhance the knowledge and understanding of business owners, managers, project managers, engineers, environmental scientists, government representatives, and others in this supply chain, we will offer modules that address specific areas most central to this industry. The program comprises ten distinct modules covering policy, the clean energy transition, community and stakeholder engagement, financing/energy pricing, power, transmission and distribution, hydrogen, climate and environmental impacts, supply chain and manufacturing, and workforce development. Modules will be offered by experts from all relevant industries and faculty from Stony Brook University’s College of Business, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, and the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences. Over the course of 30 hours, a projected 70 professionals in two pilot cohorts of 35 will receive online and in-person instruction in fundamental areas relevant to this growing industry. Integrated lectures and presentations from Long Island’s wind project developers (Ørsted, Vineyard, and Community Wind) will foster a timely, immersive, and comprehensive program. Students will receive a certificate of completion and a micro-credential in an interdisciplinary introduction to the foundations of offshore wind.