Ørsted CEO David Hardy attends signing of Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

Ørsted, the global leader in offshore wind energy, released the following statement from David Hardy, CEO of Ørsted Offshore North America, after he attended a White House celebration during which President Joe Biden signed into law the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

“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 U.S. offshore wind industry.

“Ørsted has six U.S. wind farms currently in development, and we operate America’s first offshore wind farm at Block Island. These projects will produce approximately 4 gigawatts of power, contributing to President Biden’s goal of 30 gigawatts 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 U.S. 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 U.S. offshore wind will create economic opportunity in 44 states. As a U.S. 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.

“Ørsted will continue to play a leading role in helping the Administration achieve its 30-gigawatt 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.”