The largest gathering of offshore wind energy experts in the country began in Warwick Tuesday, as the American Wind Energy Association holds its annual offshore wind conference.
The event will focus, in large part, on a major milestone: for the first time in U.S. history, an offshore wind farm will connect to the electric grid next month when Deepwater Wind’s five turbines begin to produce electricity off the coast of Block Island.
Industry professionals, along with federal and state officials, are expected to provide updates on national offshore wind energy strategy and what the American supply chain for the emerging industry may look like over the next 10 years.
The three-day gathering ends on Thursday, when state and federal officials will tour the Block Island Wind Farm.
