Rhode Island plans 600-MW offshore wind procurement

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The smallest state in the United States, Rhode Island’s Governor Dan McKee has announced that legislation has been introduced which would require a market-competitive procurement of approximately 600 MW of new offshore wind capacity

If enacted, the legislation would require Rhode Island’s primary utility company to issue a procurement no later than 15 August 2022.

“As home to the nation’s first offshore windfarm, Rhode Island is a pioneer in the blue economy,” said Governor McKee.

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“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 a hub for industry activity, attracting new investment and job growth opportunities across the green economy.”

The state is home to the first operational offshore windfarm in the US, Block Island, and in 2019 approved the 400-MW Revolution Wind project.

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The new procurement plan is in line with the 2021 Act on Climate, signed by Governor McKee in April 2021. The Act on Climate sets mandatory, enforceable climate emissions reduction goals culminating in net-zero economy-wide emissions by 2050.

An additional 600 MW of offshore wind would have the potential to meet 30% of Rhode Island’s estimated 2030 electricity demand. This is equivalent to powering 340,000 homes each year. Including the 30-MW Block Island windfarm and Revolution Wind, offshore wind would cover 50% of the state’s projected energy needs.

The Governor’s proposed legislation (S-2583 and H-7971), sponsored by Senator Dawn Euer and Representative Arthur Handy, would also require offshore wind developers to provide information on potential environmental impacts by submitting an environmental and fisheries mitigation plan. It would also require them to provide 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 labour agreement to cover construction activities.

Senator Euer said, “What differentiates the Act on Climate from all of our state’s previous renewable energy laws is that it is an enforceable, firm commitment that Rhode Island will rapidly adopt renewable energy and get serious about our climate obligations.

“Projects like the one we’re seeking with this legislation are an important part of our energy future. I’m glad to see the level of support there is for a major RFP like this one, because it will be a big step toward responsibly developed renewable energy in Rhode Island.”

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.