US gives final federal approval to 800 MW Vineyard Wind project off the coast of Massachusetts

US Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland and Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo have announced the approval of the construction and operation of the Vineyard Wind project — the first large-scale, offshore wind project in the United States. 

The 800 MW Vineyard Wind energy project will be located approximately 12 nautical miles offshore Martha's Vineyard and 12 nautical miles offshore Nantucket in the northern portion of Vineyard Wind’s lease area. It will create 3,600 jobs and provide enough power for 400,000 homes and businesses.

The Record of Decision (ROD) grants Vineyard Wind final federal approval to install 84 or fewer turbines as part of the offshore wind energy facility. Turbines will be installed in an east-west orientation, and all the turbines will have a minimum spacing of 1 nautical mile between them in the north-south and east-west directions. 

Prior to construction, Vineyard Wind must submit a facility design report and a fabrication and installation report. These engineering and technical reports provide specific details for how the facility will be fabricated and installed in accordance with the approved Construction and Operations Plan.