Massachusetts and Rhode Island have announced the selection of 2,878 megawatts (MW) of offshore wind capacity in maiden coordinated procurement.
As part of this initiative, Massachusetts has chosen 2,678MW from three distinct projects., representing a significant advance in offshore wind generation and its associated supply chain.
This procurement will enable offshore wind to supply electricity to over 1.4 million homes in Massachusetts, while also cutting the state’s carbon emissions by the equivalent of removing one million petrol-powered cars from the roads. In addition to environmental benefits, these projects are set to create thousands of jobs and drive billions in economic activity.
Massachusetts has selected 1,087MW from the 1,287 MW SouthCoast Wind multi-state project, 791MW from the 791MW New England Wind 1 project, and up to 800MW from the 1,200 MW Vineyard Wind 2 project.
All three projects plan to utilise Project Labour Agreements (PLAs), create thousands of jobs, and direct significant investments into the regional economy.
The SouthCoast Wind project is expected to generate 3,915 high-paying jobs across Massachusetts and Rhode Island, while Avangrid’s New England Wind 1 project will create 4,400 full-time equivalent jobs.
The Vineyard Wind 2 project is set to create 3,800 job-years of employment across New England, with 80% of those jobs based in Massachusetts.
These three projects will collectively accelerate the offshore wind industry by driving investment in the domestic supply chain and port infrastructure.
This selection marks crucial progress for Massachusetts in achieving its emission reduction targets within the power sector and builds on recent regional successes. According to the Commonwealth’s Clean Energy and Climate Plan, offshore wind is expected to be the primary electricity source in the decarbonised energy system. With this selection, Massachusetts is now 2,678 MW closer to its statutory target of procuring 5,600 MW of offshore wind by 2027.
In Rhode Island, this project will support the state’s goal of expanding its renewable energy portfolio. The new offshore wind project would bring Rhode Island’s total offshore wind capacity to 630 MW, further enhancing its clean energy resources.
Following this announcement, the Massachusetts Electric Distribution Companies (EDCs) will initiate contract negotiations with the selected developers.
Massachusetts Secretary for Energy and Environmental Affairs Rebecca Tepper said: “Our region is heavily reliant on gas that comes to us from pipelines and ships. For decades, our entire region has experienced significant swings in prices while also worrying about reliability. Offshore wind will bring stability to Massachusetts at a critical time. “Combined with solar and hydropower, Massachusetts future resource mix promises stability as our economy continues to grow. By going big with projects now, we will be able to get ahead of the world in the global race for developers, vessels, materials, and expertise.”
