The Interior Department Approves SouthCoast Wind Project, Adding to Growing Offshore Wind Energy Portfolio
The Interior Department has reached a significant milestone in its efforts to promote clean energy by approving the SouthCoast Wind Project, marking the 11th commercial-scale offshore wind energy project approved under President Biden’s leadership. This approval brings the total amount of clean energy approved from offshore wind projects to over 19 gigawatts, which is enough to power more than 6 million homes.
The SouthCoast Wind Project, expected to generate up to 2.4 gigawatts of offshore wind energy for Massachusetts and Rhode Island, will provide electricity for over 840,000 homes. The project area, spanning approximately 127,388 acres, is located south of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, Massachusetts.
With the construction of up to 141 wind turbine generators and offshore substation platforms, the SouthCoast Wind Project aims to harness the region’s wind resources efficiently. By strategically planning the layout of the turbines and substation platforms, the project developers have taken steps to minimize potential impacts on wildlife habitats and ocean ecosystems.
Following a comprehensive environmental review process, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) released the final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the SouthCoast Wind Project in November 2024. This EIS analyzed the potential environmental effects of the project’s construction and operations and considered various alternatives to mitigate any adverse impacts.
Throughout the review process, BOEM engaged with Tribal Nations, local communities, commercial fishing interests, and other stakeholders to gather feedback and address concerns. By incorporating feedback and implementing measures to avoid, minimize, and mitigate environmental impacts, the SouthCoast Wind Project aims to operate sustainably while meeting the region’s energy needs.
The upcoming publication of the “Notice of Availability of a Joint Record of Decision” in the Federal Register will formalize the approval of the SouthCoast Wind Project. For more information on this project and other offshore wind initiatives, interested parties can visit BOEM’s website.