Massachusetts approves 804 MW offshore wind farm in USA

The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) has issued an order approving long-term contracts for 804 MW of offshore wind between Mayflower Wind and the Commonwealth’s Electric Distribution Companies. These contracts result from An Act Relative to Energy Diversity, which was signed by Governor Baker in 2016, and will ultimately support economic development along the coast, ensure a resilient energy future for the Commonwealth and secure progress toward greenhouse gas reduction requirements. The project will bring the amount of offshore wind procured by the Commonwealth to approximately 1,600 MW.

Mayflower Wind’s bid to develop an offshore wind facility was selected for contract negotiation in October 2019 based on criteria established under a Request for proposal (RFP) that was previously subject to public comment, and approved by the DPU after review by an independent evaluator on May 17, 2019. 

At a total levelized price of 7.8 cents/kilowatt hour in nominal dollars, this project is expected to provide approximately 0.1% to 1.8% savings on customer’s monthly energy bills, all other bill impacts remaining equal. Overall, the total net benefits, including both direct and indirect benefits, to Massachusetts ratepayers over the life of the contract are expected to be approximately US$2.4 billion.

Kathleen Theoharides,  Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs said,“This approval ensures that the Commonwealth’s second offshore wind project offering cost-effective and locally produced clean energy can move forward. The Baker-Polito Administration’s efforts to grow the Commonwealth’s clean energy portfolio is key to achieving net zero emissions by 2050”.