Connecticut announces selection of 250 megawatts of clean, renewable energy projects

Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Commissioner Robert Klee announced Wednesday that Connecticut selected more than 250 megawatts (MW) of clean and renewable energy projects through DEEP’s recent Clean Energy Request for Proposals.

The selected projects include Connecticut’s first procurement of offshore wind, an anaerobic digestion facility, and multiple fuel cell projects.

“We have an obligation to our children and grandchildren to invest in energy projects that reduce the impacts of harmful emissions,” Malloy said. “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.”

The offshore wind project, the Revolution Wind Project, will provide approximately 200 MW. Four fuel cell projects will provide approximately 52 MW. Anaerobic Digestion Southington will provide about 1.6 MW.

Combined with neighboring states, the offshore wind purchase totals 1,400 MW, including the 200 MW by Connecticut, 800MW by Massachusetts and 400MW by Rhode Island.

“Governor Malloy’s offshore wind leadership positions Connecticut as a first mover for this new American industry,” Nancy Sopko, director of offshore wind for the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), said. “With demand for 1,400 megawatts of U.S. offshore wind announced in less than a month, there’s a golden opportunity for heavy manufacturing companies and shipbuilders to invest in American jobs, factories, and infrastructure.”

The selected projects will now begin negotiations with the electric distribution utilities, Eversource and United Illuminating, to reach agreements on 20-year contracts.

Successful contracts will be subject to final approval by Connecticut’s Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA).