Wind power industry leaders to gather at Boston conference

BOSTON (AP) – Offshore wind power will be the focus of a gathering of business leaders and lawmakers in Boston this coming week.

The U.S. Offshore Wind Leadership Conference kicks off February 29 and runs through March 1 at the InterContinental Hotel in Boston.

U.S. Sen. Edward Markey, a Massachusetts Democrat, is the event’s keynote speaker.

Topics will include Europe’s experience with wind energy and the U.S.’s emerging industry in states like New Jersey, Maryland, Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

Deepwater Wind CEO Jeff Grybowski will talk about his company’s aim to build the nation’s first offshore wind farm.

The Providence-based company began work last July on a five-turbine farm off Block Island in Rhode Island. It also plans to build a farm of at least 200 turbines between Block Island and Martha’s Vineyard.

Wind power industry leaders to gather at Boston conference