Racing Ahead: Department of Interior Approves SouthCoast Wind Project

Racing to put the offshore wind industry on a sound footing before the close of the Biden administration, the Department of the Interior today approved what will become the eleventh large-scale offshore wind farm off the coastal United States. The project known as SouthCoast Wind will generate 2.4 GW of offshore wind energy for Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The notice of availability of the Joint Record of Decision comes after Massachusetts issued approvals in October and the two states selected the project for long-term power contracts.

The project, developed by OW Ocean Winds, a joint venture partnership between EDP Renewables and ENGIE, won its lease in 2018 and was originally known as Mayflower Wind. The project area covers just over 127,000 acres and will be located about 26 nautical miles south of Martha’s Vineyard and 20 nautical miles south of Nantucket, Massachusetts.

The approved project includes the construction of up to 141 wind turbine generators, up to five offshore substation platforms, and up to eight offshore export cables. Notably, the approval removes up to six wind turbine positions in the northeastern portion of the Lease Area to reduce potential impacts on wildlife habitat adjacent to Nantucket Shoals.

The Department of Interior highlights that with this approval, it has now approved more than 19 gigawatts of offshore wind energy, contributing to a clean energy economy and creating job opportunities across various sectors.

Secretary of the Interior’s Statement

“When we walked in the door of this administration, there were zero approved, commercial-scale offshore wind projects in federal waters,” said Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland. “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.”

Future Outlook

While the incoming Trump administration’s stance on offshore wind remains unknown, the industry continues to progress. The recent approval for the SouthCoast Wind project for Massachusetts and Rhode Island contrasts with Connecticut’s decision to pass on offshore wind energy bids in a recent solicitation. Governor Ned Lamont emphasized the need for affordable energy but did not rule out future exploration of offshore wind energy.

Connecticut, which received four proposals in the joint solicitation, may revisit offshore wind energy in the future as states navigate their renewable energy paths.