Both developers already under contract to deliver offshore wind power to Massachusetts, Vineyard Wind and Mayflower Wind, have been tapped to contribute to the state’s third procurement after utility executives opted to piece together separate bids to secure the full 1,600 megawatts of cleaner power generation they were seeking.
The announcement Friday afternoon from Baker administration officials means that Massachusetts is poised to double the amount of offshore wind generation in its pipeline. Vineyard Wind I, an 800 MW project, is due to come online by the end of 2023 and Mayflower Wind’s initial 804 MW project is expected to be up and running in 2025.
On Friday, the Baker administration announced that the 1,200 MW proposal from Vineyard Wind and a 400 MW proposal from Mayflower Wind were selected to jointly form the third wave of offshore wind power. By piecing together the two bids, officials were able to secure the full 1,600 MW the state sought in its solicitation even though both developers maxed out their proposals at 1,200 MW.
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“The Massachusetts offshore wind contracts awarded today will help solidify New Bedford’s status as the center of an offshore wind industry cluster,” said New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell in a written statement. “Today is also an occasion to assess the broader offshore wind landscape, and in particular, to acknowledge what has become a fierce competition among Massachusetts and nearby states. Each state is racing to establish itself as a leader in the wind industry. In this competition, New Bedford offers a critical edge for Massachusetts, as the closest industrial port to the wind project sites, and the home of one of America’s largest maritime workforces.”
Mayflower Wind said its 400 MW proposal is accompanied by an economic development package that includes “commitments to spend up to $42.3 million, including $27 million over 10 years to the SouthCoast Community Foundation.”
“Mayflower Wind is looking forward to delivering low-cost renewable energy to residents and businesses throughout Massachusetts,” CEO Michael Brown said. “And we are committed to investing in our local communities and being an engine for economic and workforce development.”
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“Today’s announcement that Vineyard Wind and Mayflower Wind have been selected in the latest offshore wind procurement is a huge win for Fall River, Somerset and our communities and a game-changer that will deliver significant economic and environmental benefits to the entire SouthCoast,” said state Sen. Michael Rodrigues.
Contracts with Vineyard Wind and Mayflower Wind are expected to be negotiated by March 28, 2022, and final contracts are supposed to be submitted for Department of Public Utilities approval by April 27, 2022.
