Alfred State nets $500K to grow wind workforce. Here's how the money will be spent
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A $500,000 state grant will help Alfred State College power up New York state’s wind energy workforce.
Alfred State was among seven SUNY campuses to share in $4 million in grants from the Offshore Wind Training Institute (OWTI). Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the awards Friday.
Other institutions receiving funding include Farmingdale State College, Hudson Valley Community College, Stony Brook University, Suffolk County Community College, SUNY Polytechnic Institute and University at Buffalo.
How will the funding impact Alfred State College?
Alfred State said the initiative will help the college expand the number of students who can enroll in its two-year degrees for Welding Technology and Electrical Construction and Maintenance Electrician in the School of Applied Technology. The college said it often has over 100 students on a waitlist due to a lack of instruction and lab space, slowing production in the industry as employers are forced to wait for a new crop of graduates.
“This grant for a half million dollars will enable ASC to make nearly 500 highly skilled electricians and welders available for the offshore wind workforce over a 24-month period, with hundreds graduating annually thereafter,” said Alfred State President Steven Mauro. “We are grateful to the governor, chancellor, and OWTI for their recognition of Alfred State’s excellence in preparing graduates with the right skills in this high-demand job market.
“This alliance of SUNY schools is helping to provide the skilled professionals needed to build a new industry that has good-paying green technology jobs.”
Alfred State will use the funding to increase lab space, acquire new equipment and hire additional professionals to instruct students.
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How will the funding impact local employers?
Alfred State’s total budget for the project is over $900,000. The project has received the support from corporate business partners including Buffalo Solar, Douglas Electric and Ljungström ARVOS, which is located a few minutes from Alfred State’s Wellsville campus in Allegany County.
Ljungström won a contract in 2021 to manufacture the steel components for the Sunrise Wind offshore wind project. The company launched a $10.7 million expansion project to handle new work in wind energy, and Ljungström has ramped up hiring in Wellsville since receiving the Sunrise Wind contract.
Alfred State’s expanded workforce training program aims to meet the demand for new hiring in the industry.
“This highly skilled, well-paid workforce will propel New York State’s clean-energy goals forward, while simultaneously positioning the state to lead the nation in renewable energy, including offshore wind,” said SUNY Chancellor John King, Jr. “By developing programs to meet the demands of the offshore wind industry, SUNY can and will respond directly to employer needs to ensure our students are well-prepared for this emerging field.”
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How does the funding fit the state’s climate goals?
The growth of offshore wind projects is fueled by state climate goals established in the 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. The legislation features aggressive benchmarks for renewables like solar and wind, including the goal of reaching 70% reliance on renewable energy by 2030. New York is aiming for a 100% emissions-free electricity supply by 2040.
The Sunrise Wind project off Long Island is expected to generate over 900 megawatts and power 600,000 New York homes.
“SUNY, in partnership with New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, is equipping new and existing workers to participate in the green energy revolution here in New York for generations to come — helping us address the climate crisis and create a greener state for all,” said Hochul.
This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: Alfred State awarded $500K to grow wind workforce. Here's how
