Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island announced the winners of their joint offshore wind procurement Friday.
The three selected projects are expected to produce 2,878 megawatts of electricity — or about what it takes to power 1.6 million homes. It’s considerably less than the 6,800 megawatts the states set out to procure.
Massachusetts customers will get the vast majority of electricity from the projects, 2,678 megawatts, and Rhode Island customers will get 200 megawatts. Connecticut, which was also part of the multi-state process, did not select any projects. In a statement, a spokesperson for the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection said Connecticut officials are still evaluating projects and will announce “a final decision” at a future date.
Despite the lackluster size of the projects, government officials touted the results as great news, noting that it represents the largest offshore wind procurement to date in New England, and it will help the region sever its dependence on fuels like natural gas, which contribute to climate change.
Related wind energy news:
New England offshore wind auction draws multiple bidders
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