Avangrid submits proposals for multiple offshore wind projects in New England

Avangrid recently submitted multiple proposals to the Massachusetts-Connecticut-Rhode Island multi-state solicitation for offshore wind power.

Avangrid submitted a bid for New England Wind 1, a second bid for New England Wind 1 and 2 combined, and additional bids for single-state procurements in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. Currently, Avangrid is spearheading the development of the first-in-the-nation Vineyard Wind 1 project, which is now under construction and delivering wind power to 30,000 homes and businesses in Massachusetts.

“At this historic turning point for climate action, New England Wind answers the region’s call for projects that reflect the urgency, ambition, and certainty the moment demands,” Avangrid CEO Pedro Azagra said. “In powering up the first-in-the-nation Vineyard Wind 1 project, Avangrid proved that American offshore wind is possible. New England Wind 1 in particular builds on this momentum by offering a shovel-ready project that is prepared to start construction as soon as next year. With nearly all local, state, and federal permits in hand, all interconnection rights secured, and a Project Labor Agreement signed with a skilled, local, union workforce, Avangrid is ready to go.”

The proposal for the 791-megawatt New England Wind 1, formerly known as Park City Wind, is located roughly 30 miles south of Barnstable, Mass., bordering Vineyard Wind 1 to the south. New England Wind 1 offers enough energy to power approximately 400,000 homes and reduce emissions equivalent to taking 300,000 gasoline-based cars off the road annually. It would also create more than 4,400 full-time equivalent jobs and bring $3 billion of direct investment to the region. The project received a Final Environmental Impact Statement from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management in February 2024, with a Record of Decision (ROD) anticipated in April 2024 and Construction and Operations Plan (COP) Approval anticipated in July 2024.

The second proposal, New England Wind 1 and New England Wind 2, would bring 1870 megawatts of offshore wind power to the region. It would be enough to power nearly 1 million homes and reduce emissions by nearly 4 million U.S. tons. New England Wind 2, formally known as Commonwealth Wind, is only offered as a combined project with New England Wind 1 to capture important economics of scale and support significant grid upgrades. Combined, the projects will create up to 9,200 full-time equivalent jobs and bring $8 billion in direct investment to the region.

“Boston must lead the way in building a sustainable future, and we’re proud to set a new standard with a direct stake in innovation to create clean energy and good jobs for our residents and communities. This partnership advances our climate goals while bringing thousands of green jobs to our region, creating a pathway for generations to come,” Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said of the project.