AT&F (American Tank & Fabricating) has been selected to partner on Project Icebreaker, a pioneering effort to develop the first freshwater wind energy source in North America.

The demonstration project, led by the Lake Erie Energy Development Corp. (LEEDCo) at a site seven miles northwest of downtown Cleveland, is aimed at catalyzing manufacturing growth in the United States by removing barriers between American steel fabricators and the offshore wind industry.

“AT&F has over 75 years of experience providing quality steel products, and we are excited about the opportunity to extend our expertise for use in the offshore wind industry,” said AT&F CEO Michael Ripich. “Offshore wind in Lake Erie has huge potential, and we look forward to collaborating with LEEDCo on this project. Bringing manufacturers on board at this early stage is the best way to develop the most cost-effective design.”

AT&F was selected because of its standing as a leader in its industry with the sophistication necessary to fabricate monopiles of the size and complexity required by the offshore wind industry.

Once the design is finalized, Project Icebreaker will be the first project in which it will be used. The project has gained support from numerous public officials, including Cleveland Mayor Frank G. Jackson.

“The Department of Energy’s further support of Project Icebreaker will provide the initiative with continued momentum to create a freshwater wind industry built upon our current economic assets,” Jackson said.