(The Center Square) — Two New England states are going all-in on wind power by pursuing what is being described as the “largest” offshore procurement in the region.
On Friday, Massachusetts and Rhode Island jointly announced that they plan to procure a total of 2,678 megawatts of offshore wind power spread across all three projects that submitted bids earlier this year, which, when completed, will be capable of providing enough electricity to power more than 1.4 million homes.
“Today marks a historic milestone for Rhode Island and Massachusetts as we join forces to drive the largest offshore wind procurement in New England’s history,” Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee said in a statement. “Together with Massachusetts, we are setting a precedent for regional collaboration in clean energy and advancing a sustainable, resilient future.”
Under the plan, Massachusetts has selected 1,087 MW of the 1,287 MW SouthCoast Wind project, with the remaining 200 MW going to Rhode Island. Massachusetts also selected New England Wind 1, a 719 MW project, and seeks up to 800 MW of wind power from the Vineyard Wind 2 project, officials said.