Wednesday, March 23, 2022
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee announced Wednesday that legislation has been introduced which would require a market-competitive procurement for approximately 600 MW of newly-developed offshore wind capacity. If enacted, Rhode Island’s primary utility company would be required to issue the procurement no later than August 15, 2022.
“As home to the nation’s first offshore wind farm, Rhode Island is a pioneer in the blue economy,” said McKee. “Offshore wind represents one of the best opportunities for Rhode Island to scale up its clean energy resources in order to meet our greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals. Expanding our offshore wind resources will further our state’s position as the North American hub for industry activity, attracting new investment and job growth opportunities across the green economy.”
The state is home to North America’s first operational offshore wind farm (Block Island) and, in 2019, received state approval for the 400 MW Revolution Wind offshore project.
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This latest effort is in line with the 2021 Act on Climate, signed by McKee last April. The Act on Climate sets mandatory, enforceable climate emissions reduction goals culminating in net-zero economy-wide emissions by 2050.
McKee’s proposed legislation (S-2583 and H-7971), sponsored by Senator Euer and Representative Handy respectively, would also require offshore wind developers to provide information on potential environmental impacts through the submittal of an environmental and fisheries mitigation plan; estimates of local economic benefits; a diversity, equity and inclusion plan; and a plan outlining the bidder’s intentions with respect to the negotiation of a project labor agreement(s) to cover construction activities.
According to McKee’s office, an additional 600 MW of offshore wind would further expand the state’s clean energy portfolio, with the potential to meet 30 percent of Rhode Island’s estimated 2030 electricity demand. This is equivalent to powering roughly 340,000 homes each year. Including the 30 MW Block Island Wind farm and the planned 400 MW Revolution Wind project, offshore wind would cover 50 percent of the state’s projected energy needs.
Any proposed offshore wind contract would require review by the Office of Energy Resources, the Department of Environmental Management, and Rhode Island Commerce in the form of agency advisory opinions. Such contracts would also have to be filed with the Public Utilities Commission for review and approval, including opportunities for public comment.
