RI Energy Seeks Offshore Wind Turbine Proposals

By comparison, the proposed 880 megawatt Revolution Wind project 15 miles south of the Rhode Island coast will require 100 wind turbines. That project will supply 400 MW to Rhode Island and Connecticut with 304 MW.  Rhode Island Energy, the state’s primary utility, is administering the RFP and will issue the procurement to the market no later than Oct. 15, McKee’s office announced.

The project could meet at least 30% of Rhode Island’s estimated 2030 electricity demand and power about 340,000 homes annually, according to the Governor’s office. When added to the 30 MW Block Island Wind farm and the Revolution Wind project, about half of the state’s projected energy needs will be powered by offshore wind, McKee’s office noted.

The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) will be collecting public comments on the drafted RFP through Oct. 7, 2022, and will conduct a public hearing on Sept. 21, at 9 a.m. Rhode Island Energy will review and consider the comments prior to issuing the final RFP to the offshore wind market for competitive proposals in mid-October.

“Rhode Island is home to the nation’s first offshore wind farm making us a leader in the blue economy,” said McKee. “Offshore wind is a clean and reliable source of energy that will be essential for meeting our new 100 percent renewable energy by 2033 goal and our Act on Climate emissions reductions target. This public comment period gives stakeholders an opportunity to make their voices heard during the RFP process. This is an important step toward developing an RFP that will effectively help to reach our climate, economic and environmental goals.”

Author: Rob Borkowski

Rob has worked as reporter and editor for several publications, including The Kent County Daily Times and Coventry Courier, before working for Gatehouse in MA then moving home with Patch Media. Now he's publisher and editor of WarwickPost.com. Contact him at [email protected] with tips, press releases, advertising inquiries, and concerns.