Offshore Wind Science and Research

MassCEC / Offshore Energy / Funding / Offshore Wind Science and Research

The Challenge: Advance Offshore Wind Science and Research

Massachusetts remains committed to offshore wind as a key energy source to provide critically needed energy, spur economic development, and create good-paying jobs. MassCEC recognizes that offshore wind development occurs in a dynamic ocean environment that supports existing marine industries of economic and cultural importance, is inhabited by critically endangered wildlife, and is itself undergoing climate-induced changes.  These variables, among others, present a wide range of technical, logistical, and analytical research opportunities related to the offshore wind industry, particularly now that several projects have or soon will reach commercial operation. Focused science and research activities, and the organizational capacity to conduct that science and research, are needed in the near- and long-term to inform, optimize, and catalyze industry growth.   

About the Offshore Wind Science & Research Request for Proposals (RFP)

MassCEC’s Offshore Wind Science, Research, and Analysis (SRA) program supports applied research that advances the responsible development and operation of offshore wind in southern New England and the Gulf of Maine. The program generates actionable knowledge for policymakers, industry, and communities on topics such as offshore wind planning and siting, wildlife and fishery interactions, marine operations, transmission and grid integration, and industry development. It also strengthens the regional research ecosystem by supporting universities, research institutions, nonprofits, and industry collaborators conducting offshore wind science and applied research.

The 2026 RFP will fund up to $2.5 million for projects aligned with priority research areas identified by MassCEC. While a broad array of research projects will be eligible to apply, this round of funding has also specified topic areas of interest within each of the following categories:

• Fisheries: Understanding Effects in Southern New England Lease Areas
• Wildlife and Habitat
• Regional Transmission Planning
• Gulf of Maine Regional Monitoring
• Communicating Existing Science and Research

Who's Eligible

Applicants may be universities, research institutions, private companies (e.g., consultancies), nonprofit organizations, federally recognized and state-acknowledged Tribes, industry partners, or interdisciplinary teams.

Applicants must have a registered business presence in the United States, and preference will be given to applications in which the lead Applicant and/or partnering organizations are based in Massachusetts.

For full Program details, please refer to the Offshore Wind Science, Research, & Analysis RFP.