By Abbas Nazil
The Biden administration has approved its eleventh large-scale offshore wind project for the US, advancing its efforts to establish a robust offshore wind industry before its term concludes.
The SouthCoast Wind project, set to generate 2.4 gigawatts (GW) of clean energy, will serve Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
This decision comes after Massachusetts granted approvals in October, and the two states selected the project for long-term power contracts.
Developed by OW Ocean Winds, a joint venture between EDP Renewables and ENGIE, the project was previously known as Mayflower Wind and spans over 127,000 acres.
Situated approximately 26 nautical miles south of Martha’s Vineyard and 20 nautical miles south of Nantucket, Massachusetts, it will feature up to 141 wind turbine generators and as many as five offshore substation platforms, with a maximum of 143 positions.
Eight offshore export cables will also be installed to support the energy transmission.
However, the Department of the Interior has made adjustments to mitigate environmental impacts. Up to six turbine positions in the northeastern section of the lease area were removed to protect foraging habitats and minimize the displacement of wildlife near the Nantucket Shoals.
Despite these modifications, the project marks a significant step in achieving the administration’s clean energy goals.
Secretary of the Interior, Deb Haaland, celebrated the milestone, emphasizing the administration’s progress in advancing offshore wind energy projects.
“When we walked in the door of this administration, there were zero approved, commercial-scale offshore wind projects in federal waters,” Haaland said.
“Today, I am proud to celebrate our 11th approval. We are addressing the climate crisis, creating jobs, and building an enduring economy that supports all communities,” he said further.
The Biden administration has now approved over 19 GW of offshore wind energy, a crucial component of its strategy to combat climate change while creating job opportunities across multiple sectors, including construction, manufacturing, and shipbuilding.
The Department of the Interior reiterated its commitment to strengthening the nation’s power grid and fostering a clean energy economy.
The SouthCoast Wind project has been years in the making. OW Ocean Winds secured the lease in 2018, and the venture has undergone extensive evaluations to meet environmental and regulatory standards.
Its approval underscores the administration’s determination to solidify the United States’ offshore wind sector.
Meanwhile, the future of offshore wind energy under the incoming Trump administration remains uncertain.
Former President Donald Trump, a vocal critic of offshore wind during his campaign, was previously accused of delaying project approvals during his first term.
Despite his opposition, experts believe it is unlikely that the new administration will attempt to revoke approvals issued by the Biden administration.
In a related development, Connecticut announced that its Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) closed its solicitation for offshore wind resources without selecting any bids.
Unlike Massachusetts and Rhode Island, which recently approved nearly 2,878 megawatts (MW) of offshore wind projects, Connecticut chose to defer new projects, citing the need for affordable energy.
Governor Ned Lamont emphasized the state’s ongoing commitment to renewable energy but described the decision as a “pass for now.”
Connecticut had received four proposals in the joint solicitation but left the door open to revisiting offshore wind opportunities in the future.
As states chart their individual courses in renewable energy, the Biden administration’s approval of SouthCoast Wind serves as a testament to its commitment to clean energy and climate action. END
Source: The Maritime Executive