“As home to the nation’s first offshore wind farm, Rhode Island is a pioneer in the blue economy,” said Governor McKee. “Offshore wind represents one of the best opportunities for Rhode Island to scale up its clean energy resources in order to meet our greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals. Expanding our offshore wind resources will further our state’s position as the North American hub for industry activity, attracting new investment and job growth opportunities across the green economy.”
This latest effort is in line with the 2021 Act on Climate, signed by Governor McKee last April. The Act on Climate sets mandatory, enforceable climate emissions reduction goals culminating in net-zero economy-wide emissions by 2050. An additional 600 MW of offshore wind would further expand the state’s clean energy portfolio, with the potential to meet 30% of Rhode Island’s estimated 2030 electricity demand. This is equivalent to powering roughly 340,000 homes each year. Including the 30 MW Block Island Wind farm and the planned 400 MW Revolution Wind project, offshore wind would cover 50% of the state’s projected energy needs.
“To achieve our net-zero emission future, Rhode Island must accelerate its adoption of carbon-free electricity to power homes and businesses and unlock the promise of cleaner transportation and heating solutions throughout our economy,” said Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources Commissioner, Nicholas S. Ucci. “Offshore wind is an advantageous clean energy resource for our state, one that can be developed at significant scale to help meet winter energy demands and expand economic opportunities across the green economy.”
