Connecticut to Procure 200MW of Offshore Wind with Revolution Wind Project

“We have an obligation to our children and grandchildren to invest in energy projects that reduce the impacts of harmful emissions,” said Malloy. “That’s why Connecticut is making investments in the technologies of the future, not of the past. These projects will result in thousands of new Connecticut jobs, helping to grow our economy, while doing so in a clean and sustainable way.”

Deepwater Wind, headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island,  was selected to provide 200 MW of offshore wind energy with its Revolution Wind project. The Revolution Wind project is located in federal waters roughly halfway between Montauk, New York, and Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts.

“We’re ready to put Connecticut on the map when it comes to offshore wind,” said Deepwater Wind CEO Jeffrey Grybowski. “We launched America’s offshore wind industry just a short distance away, off Block Island. We’re the best fit to help make Connecticut’s renewable energy goals a reality.”

Deepwater Wind made specific commitments around job development and use of the Port of New London, including:

• At least $15,000,000 investment in the New London State Pier to allow substantial aspects of the project to be constructed in New London spurring significant economic development during construction and attracting additional offshore wind projects to take advantage of the investments.
• Significant portions of construction and/or assembly will occur in New London, including foundation components (known as “Secondary Steel”) and the offshore substation.
• Contracting with a Connecticut-based boat builder to construct one of the project’s crew transfer vessels in Connecticut.
• Opening and staffing a new development office in New London.
• Entering into a host-community agreement with the City of New London to support offshore wind and economic development.
• Consulting with the Eastern Connecticut Workforce Investment Board and their existing workforce programs for opportunities for workforce development.
• Developing a strong research partnership with the University of Connecticut’s Avery Point Campus.
• Providing local businesses with opportunities to participate in the development process that will include local content targets established in consultation with the State.

 The remaining projects selected are:

• 52 MW (450,011 MWh) fuel cells including:
• Energy and Innovation Park New Britain (Doosan) 19.98 MW
• Colchester (Bloom) 10 MW
• Hartford Fuel Cell (Fuel Cell Energy) 7.4 MW
• Derby Fuel Cell (Fuel Cell Energy) 14.8 MW
• 1.6 MW (10,519 MWh) Anaerobic Digestion Southington (Turning Earth)

The selections in this procurement are equivalent to 4.7 percent of Connecticut’s load. Selected projects will now enter negotiations with the electric distribution utilities, Eversource and United Illuminating, to reach agreement on 20 year contracts. If successful, the contracts will be brought to the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority for final approval.

For Information: Connecticut Government