Statement: New England offshore wind project takes big step in permitting process

Media Contacts
Hannah Read

Josh Chetwynd

Revolution Wind moves closer to getting greenlight from Biden administration

Environment America Research & Policy Center

WASHINGTON – The offshore wind project Revolution Wind advanced to the next step in its permitting process Thursday. The Bureau of Ocean and Energy Management (BOEM) has begun the process for an Environmental Impact Statement for the 880 megawatt (MW) project that will power hundreds of thousands of homes in Connecticut and Rhode Island with renewable energy. The agency has published a Notice of Intent (NOI), which means BOEM will now open a 30-day public comment period ending at midnight on June 2. With this timeline, the project could begin construction as early as 2023.  

Both Connecticut and Rhode Island have significant offshore wind potential, and offshore wind projects like Revolution Wind will play a key role in meeting both states clean energy goals. According to Environment America Research & Policy Center’s new report Offshore Wind for America, offshore wind could power 24 percent of Connecticut’s electricity use and a staggering 812 percent Rhode Island’s compared to 2019 numbers. As a region, New England could generate more than five times its projected 2050 electricity demand from offshore wind alone. Connecticut has a goal of getting 100 percent of its electricity from zero carbon sources by 2040, and Rhode Island is aiming for 100 percent renewable energy by 2030.

In response, Environment America Research & Policy Center’s Go Big on Offshore Wind Associate Hannah Read released the following statement:

“Today’s announcement is a perfect example of the kind of timely action we need to develop offshore wind at scale. As the Biden administration seeks to fulfill its goal of 30 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind developed by 2030, advancing projects currently in the pipeline will be critical to reaching that benchmark. With more than two dozen projects waiting their turn in the permitting process, it’s high time to start moving them through faster so our states can enjoy the benefits of renewable energy. 

“Offshore wind will be instrumental in moving the United States toward a 100 percent renewable energy future — and this is particularly true for our coastal states. We have a huge amount of renewable energy just waiting to be harnessed right off our shores. By combining it with other renewable sources like solar and onshore wind, offshore wind can be an essential piece to completing the clean energy puzzle. We applaud the administration as they continue to demonstrate their dedication to propelling these projects forward and tapping our renewable potential. We look forward to a continued year full of good offshore wind news.” 

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