Vineyard Wind loses backing of Rhode Island fishing board for the development of 800 MW offshore wind project

Rhode Island fishing board has denied permission to the 800 MW Vineyard wind project off Rhode Island and Massachusetts, out of fear that the layout of the project’s 84 towering wind turbines in Rhode Island Sound would close off fishing grounds that are considered some of the most productive for the state’s commercial fleet. Under federal law, if a project would affect Rhode Island coastal resources or activities, such as fishing, it must be carried out in a way that is consistent with state policies.

Vineyard Wind's US$2 billion proposal now goes before the council on November 27, 2018. If the Rhode Island council denies certification, Vineyard Wind could appeal the decision to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 

The 800 MW Vineyard Wind project is located off the coast of Massachusetts, in the north-east of the USA, at the leased 160,000 acres area south of Martha's Vineyard, and 14 miles from the nearest shore. The project consists of an array of wind turbines, spaced at least eight-tenths of a mile apart, that are each capable of delivering 8 MW of power. The project involves up to 106 wind turbines of between 8 and 10 MW each at water depths of 37 to 49 meters (121 to 161 feet).