State officials in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut received proposals for offshore wind projects as part of a collaborative effort to increase their reliance on renewable sources of energy. Massachusetts received bids from Avangrid Renewables, South Coast Wind Energy, and Vineyard Offshore for up to 3,600 megawatts, while Rhode Island evaluated proposals from Avangrid Renewables, Orsted, SouthCoast Wind Energy, and Vineyard Offshore for approximately 1,200 megawatts. Connecticut also received proposals for up to 2,000 megawatts, in addition to the 304 megawatts it will receive from the Revolution Wind project.
The three states will review the bids over the coming months and coordinate with each other to evaluate multi-state projects that could provide increased benefits, lower costs, and enhance project viability. Rhode Island acting Energy Commissioner Chris Kearns expressed excitement about reviewing the proposals alongside the state energy offices of Massachusetts and Connecticut. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection also received proposals from four project developers under the multistate request and looks forward to evaluating them in the coming months.
Vineyard Offshore submitted a proposal for a 1,200-megawatt offshore wind project to the three states in response to their solicitation for up to 6,800 megawatts of offshore wind capacity. The CEO, Alicia Barton, highlighted the company’s expertise in delivering offshore wind to New England by earning the trust of the communities they work in. Ørsted also submitted a proposal for a 1,184-megawatt Starboard Wind project that could power more than 600,000 homes in Rhode Island. Additionally, Avangrid, Inc. submitted multiple proposals to the Massachusetts-Connecticut-Rhode Island solicitation, including the New England Wind 1 and 2 projects.
The three states are working together to evaluate the proposals and potentially select projects that will contribute significantly to their renewable energy goals. Connecticut is seeking to add up to 2,000 megawatts of new offshore wind power to the 304 megawatts it will receive from the Revolution Wind project. DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes expressed anticipation for the review process and coordination with Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The agency expects to announce project selections in the third quarter of 2024, signaling a milestone in the efforts to increase offshore wind capacity in the region.
Overall, the coordinated effort among Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut to evaluate offshore wind proposals demonstrates a commitment to transitioning towards cleaner energy sources. By working together, the states aim to maximize the benefits of offshore wind projects, lower costs, and enhance project viability for the region. The proposals from various developers, including Vineyard Offshore, Ørsted, and Avangrid, showcase the interest and capabilities of industry players in delivering significant offshore wind capacity to the East Coast. With the evaluation process underway, the states are on track to potentially select projects that will contribute to their renewable energy targets and reduce their reliance on fossil fuels.
