Statements on Contract Negotiations for SouthCoast Wind and New England Wind I
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 31, 2025
Contact:
Jennifer Delony, New England for Offshore Wind
jdelony@ne4osw.org, 603.320.7043
BOSTON – March 31, 2025 – Representatives of New England for Offshore Wind (@NE4OSW) released the following statements in response to the continued negotiations in Massachusetts for offshore wind power purchase agreements for SouthCoast Wind and New England Wind I.
Kelt Wilska, Offshore Wind Director for the Environmental League of Massachusetts, and Regional Lead for NE4OSW, said:
“Massachusetts residents urgently need offshore wind. It is the single biggest tool we have to lower electricity costs, bolster energy security, stimulate economic growth and lessen the potential devastation from more record heat waves, storms, and floods. Still, the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the offshore wind developers are wise to wait. Executing contracts amidst an onslaught of fickle and damaging federal economic policies would lock ratepayers in a uniquely bad moment for the offshore wind industry. Waiting will give the state, utilities and developers more clarity, which allows for more competitive terms that will benefit ratepayers and consumers. Acknowledging the high financial risks introduced by the Trump Administration is the right choice for those that want to see offshore wind come online in a responsible, affordable way.”
Amanda Barker, Clean Energy Program Coordinator at Green Energy Consumers Alliance, and Rhode Island State Lead for NE4OSW, said:
“The long-term benefits of offshore wind remain critical to our region, and we must recognize that the current economic and market uncertainty presents a challenge to the industry. While patience is critical in navigating today’s landscape, we know that the states and developers are dedicated to our shared climate, economic, and energy independence goals and we need to find a way to get these projects over the finish line as soon as feasible.”
Background
Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut signed a first-of-its-kind memorandum of understanding in 2023 to coordinate the selection of projects for energy generation under each state’s respective offshore wind procurement process. The three states requested proposals for up to 6.8 GW – 3.6 GW for MA, 2 GW for CT, and 1.2 GW for RI.
In September 2024, Massachusetts selected the 791 MW New England Wind I project and 1,087 MW of the SouthCoast Wind project as winning bidders in the state’s call offshore wind. Rhode Island selected 200 MW of the SouthCoast Wind project as the only winning bid for its call for offshore wind.
Contract negotiations in Massachusetts have been ongoing since September 2024, and the negotiating parties anticipate contract execution on June 30. (MA DPU Docket: 23-42)
Resources
Analysis: New Offshore Wind Power Will Be an Affordable, Clean Energy Option for Mass Ratepayers