Massachusetts and Rhode Island Contract for 1,200MW of Offshore Wind

Massive new projects put New England states on the forefront of the U.S. offshore wind market.

Massachusetts and Rhode Island, two states on the forefront of the nascent U.S. offshore wind market, have awarded a combined 1,200 megawatts of contracts to build out what could become the country’s largest offshore wind complex. 

Bill Adds Wood to R.I.'s Renewable-Energy Portfolio

Rhode Island seems to have a thing against trees. Although preserving trees is considered one of the most effective methods for sequestering carbon and mitigating climate change, state laws and incentives continue to favor cutting them down. As a result, trees are being clear-cut in Rhode Island to build an office park, a casino and large solar energy farms. 

Rhode Island Prepares for 400-MW Clean Energy Tender; Offshore Wind Welcome

Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo directed Rhode Island's utilities to issue a procurement for up to 400 MW of clean energy, including offshore and onshore wind, solar and hydro resources.

The Office of Energy Resources will collaborate with the state's utilities to develop the request for proposals. Details of the RFP will be released at a later date, according to the governor’s office.

"Because of the critical groundwork we have conducted in Rhode Island — including the first-ever offshore wind farm in the country and our nationally renowned energy efficiency programs — we have created a strong foundation for a more affordable, reliable and clean energy system," State Energy Commissioner Carol Grant said in a statement.