SouthCoast Wind Federal Approval Is a Key Milestone in Banner Year for Offshore Wind
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 20, 2024
Contact:
Jennifer Delony, New England for Offshore Wind
jdelony@ne4osw.org, 603.320.7043
BOSTON – December 20, 2024 – New England for Offshore Wind (@NE4OSW) today celebrated the federal approval of the construction and operations plan for SouthCoast Wind.
“The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s approval for the SouthCoast Wind project is a key victory in what has become a historic year for offshore wind in New England,” said Kelt Wilska, Offshore Wind Director, Environmental League of Massachusetts, and NE4OSW Regional Lead. “SouthCoast Wind joins the growing list of projects that are completed, underway or have federal approval in New England, which is setting a standard for energy independence and reliability and demonstrating the regional economic, workforce and health benefits of responsibly developed offshore wind.”
“We’re thrilled to celebrate SouthCoast Wind I’s approval from BOEM! When the two phases of this project are completed, it will generate over 2,400 MW of clean energy—enough to power over one million homes. Beyond providing carbon-free electricity, SouthCoast Wind I will play a vital role in reducing harmful emissions, enhancing public health, investing in our local economy and workforce, strengthening our energy independence and shielding our region from volatile global fuel markets. As a cornerstone of our renewable energy future, SouthCoast Wind I will allow us to continue to build a resilient, sustainable path forward for our climate, economy, and communities. We must keep building the momentum for offshore wind!”
Background
In September, Massachusetts and Rhode Island selected the 1,287 MW SouthCoast Wind I project as a winning bidder under a multi-state solicitation for 6.8 GW of offshore wind. Massachusetts selected 1,087 MW of the project, with the remaining 200 MW going to Rhode Island.
About New England for Offshore Wind
New England for Offshore Wind (www.NewEnglandforOffshoreWind.org) is a broad-based coalition of businesses and associations, environmental and justice organizations, academic institutions, and labor unions committed to combatting climate change by increasing the supply of clean energy to our regional grid through more procurements of responsibly developed offshore wind. We believe that offshore wind is the single biggest lever we can pull to address the climate crisis and strengthen our regional economy, protect ratepayers, improve public health by reducing pollution, and create family sustaining union jobs while fostering a diverse local and regional supply chain.