The newly signed legislation requires utility Rhode Island Energy to issue a request for proposals by mid-October for 600 to 1,000 megawatts of new offshore wind capacity.
The RFP will be developed with the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources and Division of Public Utilities. Bidders will be required to submit plans for the placement of offshore turbines and how they’ll mitigate the potential impact on fisheries and the environment.
According to Gov. Dan McKee’s office, the amount of new wind energy outlined under the law could power 340,000 homes and meet at least 30% of the state’s estimated electricity demand in 2030.
When combined with the existing Block Island Wind Farm, the first commercial offshore wind farm in the U.S., and the already planned Revolution Wind project to be built off Rhode Island’s coast, McKee’s office estimates the state will be positioned to receive about half its needed energy through offshore wind.
“Offshore wind is one of our state’s most abundant natural resources,” McKee said in a statement. “Adding offshore wind clean energy capacity is essential for meeting our new 100 percent renewable energy by 2033 goal and our Act on Climate emissions reductions target.”
McKee estimated that the expansion of wind energy will create hundreds of new local jobs. Bidders responding to the request for proposals will need to develop diversity, equity and inclusion plans for employment opportunities for historically marginalized communities.
The new law also allows Rhode Island Energy to receive incentive payments of up to 1% of new wind energy contracts.
Rhode Island Energy was previously known as Narragansett Electric. Utility National Grid sold the company to Pennsylvania-based PPL Corporation earlier this year.
Alex Nunes can be reached at anunes@thepublicsradio.org
