Rhode Island can be the Silicon Valley of Renewable Energy Manufacturing
The establishment of energy independence and the development of Renewable energy resources are the desktop computer of to this century what the computer and microprocessor were to the last. This is a true opportunity for Rhode Island and with the right leadership we can position ourselves to be its Silicon Valley. We already have the leader in the industry in TPI Composites, a manufacture of wind turbine components, right here in our state. Couple that with the establishment of an industrial base, this with Quonset Point’s ideal location and existing infrastructure, rich resources as well as with Rhode Island’s an abundant supply of skilled labor, we can position ourselves in the forefront of manufacturing and distribution of renewable energy equipment and hardware for the world. Include this with our superior higher educational institutions and not only can we cannot only provide the engineering talent for research and development but also the hard working people that can assemble, construct and ship it. Rhode Island led the world in the late 19th early 20th century in textiles and the mid to late 20th century in jewelry and manufacturing. Now is the time for us to lead the world again in the emerging industry of renewable energy.
How do we accomplish this? To start with we should create a targeted development zone in Quonset to encourage start ups and manufacturers to locate there. It is estimated that this can create over 3000 high wage jobs directly related to renewables. In addition more jobs will be created for electricians, plumbers, carpenters and other skilled labor by the need for proper installation and construction of the end product. With its location and easy access to major shipping routes and rails we can export the hardware around the country and the world. We should increase the tax incentives for communities, residents and businesses to install wind, solar, geothermal and tidal/hydroelectric systems in their cities, homes and places of business. This will allow them to deduct the full cost over the short term and make it easier for them to sell the excess energy that is they generated back to the power grid.
We have already invested in the RIWINDS project to evaluate and study its viability. We need to fast track the implementation of this initiative. We have many other companies in renewable energy that are looking at RI as a base of operations. If CAPEWINDS goes forward, Rhode Island will be in the strongest position to provide for energy independence infrastructure. We must also finally create a Rhode Island Power Authority to be able to sell the power created on the open markets and generate more revenue to for our state. We cannot can no longer afford to let the legislature and special interests interfere with this process.
The Governor and his team are fighting hard to reduce spending. Now we need to work on the other side of the equation and increase our revenues. Renewable Energy can and will be an important part of that. One way we can solve our economic problems is to lead the charge for these high wage jobs and lowering our dependence on fossil fuels. We need our government get out of the way and the let the entrepreneurs and market forces take charge.
Sean Patrick Gately
Candidate for Senate District 26 Cranston
