Workforce development

Sponsor: Governor Energy Office (GEO), State of Maine

Funding amount: ~$300 K for two year

Team: Amrit Verma (PI), Andrew Goupee (Co-PI), Richard Kimball (Co-PI), Rebecca Fisher (Co-PI), Damian Brady (Co-PI), Alex Friess (Co-PI)

The OffshoreWind4Maine project, spearheaded by the University of Maine, is a comprehensive initiative aimed at leveraging the Gulf of Maine's exceptional offshore wind resources to drive significant workforce development and educational advancements in the state. Recognizing the Gulf of Maine as one of the premier locations for offshore wind energy in the U.S., the project addresses the critical shortage of local expertise required to harness this potential. Currently, local companies face challenges in finding qualified professionals, often resorting to hiring foreign talent. To mitigate this issue, OffshoreWind4Maine focuses on enhancing the educational infrastructure by developing new academic programs and training opportunities tailored to the offshore wind industry.

Key components of the project include the introduction of innovative courses such as the pioneering Offshore Wind Farm Engineering course, which attracted 41 students from various departments in its first offering. This course provides a multidisciplinary approach, covering aspects such as site selection, turbine technology, environmental impact, foundation design, and installation processes. In addition, the project has developed a series of micro-credential programs, offering specialized training in areas like marine operations, digital twins, and asset management, equipping students with the practical skills necessary for the industry.

By integrating comprehensive educational programs, industry collaborations, and practical training, OffshoreWind4Maine aims to bridge the workforce gap and position Maine as a leader in the offshore wind sector. This initiative not only supports the local economy by creating jobs but also contributes to the broader goal of sustainable energy development. Through its forward-thinking approach, OffshoreWind4Maine is paving the way for a skilled and knowledgeable workforce equipped to meet the future demands of the renewable energy industry.

Sponsor: Norwegian Ministry of Education and Research

Partner: Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway 

Funding amount: ~$210K for 4 years

Team: Amrit Verma (PI), Andrew Goupee (Co-PI), Richard Kimball (Co-PI), Lauren Ross (Co-PI), Keith Berube (Co-PI), Alex Friess (Co-PI)

The NUWind project is a collaborative initiative between the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) and the University of Maine (UMaine), funded by the Norwegian Ministry of Education and Research through the UTFORSK program. This ambitious project aims to enhance the development of next-generation offshore wind infrastructures by fostering international cooperation in higher education and research. The project's primary goals include improving the quality of education in offshore wind technology, gaining access to complementary expertise and perspectives to tackle multidisciplinary scientific challenges, and increasing the national and international visibility of both institutions in academia and industry.

Running from 2023 to 2026 with a budget of 3 million NOK, NUWind focuses on several key areas: the revision and development of academic courses, the facilitation of student and faculty exchanges, and the organization of joint seminars and research activities. Specifically, the project plans to revise five existing courses and develop two new ones: 'Integrated Dynamic Analysis of Floating Offshore Wind Turbines' and 'Marine Operations Applied to Installation and Maintenance of Offshore Wind Technology.' Additionally, the project will host four virtual summer intensive courses covering topics such as wave theory, digital twins, wind turbine blade design, and dynamic analysis using advanced software.

NUWind also emphasizes mobility, aiming to facilitate academic and research exchanges for 19 graduate students and 14 professors between NTNU and UMaine. This mobility is designed to enrich the participants' educational experiences and foster collaborative research efforts. Furthermore, the project aims to produce more than ten joint international research publications and develop collaborative research proposals to secure future funding.

The project management is overseen by faculty members from both institutions, ensuring effective coordination and successful implementation of project tasks. By leveraging the strengths and expertise of both NTNU and UMaine, NUWind aims to advance offshore wind technology education and research, contributing to the global effort to develop sustainable and resilient energy infrastructures.