Massachusetts and Rhode Island announce major offshore wind plans

On Friday, Massachusetts and Rhode Island announced a significant offshore wind power procurement plan, aiming to secure a total of 2,678 megawatts from three projects. This initiative is expected to provide enough electricity to power over 1.4 million homes when operational. Massachusetts will acquire 1,087 MW from the SouthCoast Wind project, while Rhode Island will receive 200 MW. Additionally, Massachusetts has selected the New England Wind 1 project, which contributes 719 MW, and is pursuing up to 800 MW from Vineyard Wind 2. This joint effort marks a historic milestone for both states, as they collaborate to tackle energy and climate challenges in a more unified manner rather than through isolated state efforts. The announcement comes amid a broader regional strategy along the East Coast, where states like New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts have faced difficulties in advancing offshore wind projects independently. The U.S. Department of Energy has also played a role by awarding $389 million to enhance the power grid, which is crucial for accommodating the increased capacity from offshore wind. The Power Up New England plan involves multiple states and utilities working together to improve interconnection points for undersea cables that deliver power from offshore turbines to the grid. Despite the ambitious plans, the offshore wind industry is experiencing challenges, including supply chain disruptions and rising construction costs. Some developers have withdrawn from projects, highlighting the need for stable state and federal support to ensure the success of these renewable energy initiatives.