Commonwealth Wind in Mass. set for offshore wind procurement process

Commonwealth Wind, an offshore wind project by Avangrid Renewables, has been selected as part of Massachusetts’ third offshore wind competitive procurement process.

The 1,232-megawatt (MW) project, off the coast of Massachusetts, would be New England’s largest offshore wind project to date. It would support 11,000 full time jobs and generate enough energy to power 750,000 homes annually.

“Commonwealth Wind is part of Avangrid’s vision to build a clean energy economy through community investment and reimagination. This strategic project will diversify the energy workforce with good paying jobs while providing cost-effective, renewable energy,” Avangrid CEO Dennis Arriola said. “The energy transition requires real commitment, expertise and vision and we thank the Baker Administration and the people of Massachusetts for their continued support as we work together to make this collective dream a reality.”

As part of the Commonwealth Wind project, two former coal-fired power plant sites will be converted into clean energy centers. One is at Brayton Point in Somerset. At this site, the Prysmian Group, an international subsea cable manufacturer, intends to build a manufacturing facility for subsea transmission cables at a former coal-fired power plant at Brayton Point. The other is in Salem, where Crowley Marine, in partnership with the City of Salem, will redevelop 42 acres surrounding Salem Harbor Station to serve as an offshore wind assembly and turbine staging port.

“This is more than just one project, it is part of an effort to build a clean energy infrastructure including the transformation of ports around our state as well as jobs and training that will support this clean energy industry for decades to come,” President and CEO of Avangrid Renewables Offshore Bill White said. “We are proud that Commonwealth Wind will help realize the vision of Governor Baker and the leaders of the Massachusetts Legislature in pioneering this new American industry.”

The Commonwealth Wind project will power 750,000 Massachusetts homes annually; contribute to Massachusetts’ 50 percent carbon dioxide reduction target by 2030; accommodate fishing activities and promote safe navigation across project area; and supply offshore wind power to municipal utilities in conjunction with Energy New England (ENE). This will enable Massachusetts Municipal Light Plants (MLPs) to purchase offshore wind power for the energy portfolios of 20 MLPs across the state.

“Massachusetts has been a national leader in the offshore wind industry and today’s announcement is another major milestone with the selection of two projects that double the amount of offshore wind power secured by the Commonwealth,” Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker said. “The bipartisan energy legislation our Administration worked with the Legislature to pass in 2016 has unlocked record low pricing and significant economic investment through three separate procurements, and the projects selected today further illustrate the potential offshore wind presents for our climate goals, our local workforce and our port communities.”

The Avangrid Renewables’ Offshore Wind Control Center will be located in the port city of New Bedford, located in Southeastern Massachusetts.

With the addition of Commonwealth Wind, Avangrid’s portfolio will include more than 2,400 MW of offshore clean energy once the joint venture restructuring with Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners and Avangrid Renewables closes.