The Renewable Energy Industry is Growing In Connecticut

Connecticut has long been a leader in the clean energy industry, with the first Green Bank in the U.S. founded here, but has recently doubled-down on its commitments to become energy independent and support the many green energy companies located here. Connecticut has established one of the most ambitious clean energy goals in the nation, with a commitment to achieve zero carbon electricity by 2040, which includes investments in fuel cell, solar, and offshore wind energy. Connecticut was also one of the first states to establish an energy storage target, with a goal of deploying 1,000 MW of energy storage by the end of 2030.

Connecticut’s status as the largest maritime hub in the Northeast¹ and its unparalleled manufacturing ecosystem, built around the state’s aerospace and defense, shipbuilding, and precision manufacturing industries, has left the state in a unique position to fulfill the needs of various green energy industries – from autonomous undersea mapping and monitoring to battery and semiconductor production to telecommunication and high-performance interconnect systems.

Key Facts

 

in the United States for Offshore Wind Power²

 

lowest impact on climate change in the U.S.⁴

 

in the nation for fuel cell patents³

 

most energy efficient state⁵

Industry Ecosystem

The state has emerged as an epicenter of the offshore wind industry, utilizing its three deep water ports – including New London’s State Pier, which is the only heavy lift capable, unobstructed port on the East Coast and has been specifically updated to cater to the needs of the offshore wind industry – for staging, assembly, and delivery. Connecticut has the highest concentration of offshore wind supply chain jobs in the U.S.¹⁰ and has committed to 2,000MW of offshore wind energy – enough to power 1 million homes.

Fuel cells from Connecticut-powered technologies have been present on NASA’s Apollo and space shuttle missions since the 1960s. Today, the state is home to the first and second largest fuel cell power projects in North America, as well as one of the global centers for green energy innovation — named a “Top 3 State” for fuel cell development by the U.S. Department of Energy – a reason why two of the largest global fuel cell manufacturers call the state home.

Support for Connecticut’s Renewable Energy Industry

• Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection — state agency that is committed to making cheaper, cleaner and more reliable energy available has a variety of programs and incentives ranging from EV charging to energy storage
• Connecticut Power & Energy Society — Connecticut’s leading association of energy professionals, is dedicated to generating information, sharing ideas and educating Connecticut about energy
• CT Hydrogen-Fuel Cell Coalition — promotes development, manufacturing and deployment of fuel cell and hydrogen technologies, serving as a voice for the industry
• UCONN Center for Clean Energy Engineering (C2E2) — Education, research, and innovation in sustainable energy systems
• Connecticut Innovations (CI) — Connecticut’s strategic venture capital arm and the leading source of financing and ongoing support for innovative, growing companies
• CONNSTEP — a business consulting firm focused on identifying opportunities for growth, improving productivity, and ensuring competitiveness

Renewable Energy Sector Snapshot

 

◄ Get an in-depth look at Connecticut’s renewable energy industry cluster.

• industry trends and dynamics
• concentrations of talent and workforce pipelines in Connecticut
• Connecticut's regulatory environment
• logistical and infrastructure considerations
• the state’s strengths for companies in the state
• data and resources for companies seeking market entry into Connecticut

 

Learn more about Connecticut's key industries in our detailed snapshots.

¹Lightcast, 2021; ²Business Facilities Magazine 2022; ³U.S. Department of Energy, 2020; ⁴WalletHub, 2023; ⁵American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, 2022; ⁶WalletHub, 2023; ⁷Bloomberg Innovation Index, 2020; ⁸National Science Foundation, 2020, U.S. Census Bureau, 2020, AdvanceCT calculations; ⁹Lightcast, 2022, AdvanceCT calculations; ¹⁰Lightcast, 2022, AdvanceCT calculations