Connecticut

Connecticut for Offshore Wind

Offshore wind is essential to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and turning the tide on climate change—while also creating new opportunities for green collar jobs. Recognizing the potential for offshore wind, Connecticut currently has procurements for over 1.5 GW of offshore wind energy. With the Biden Administration’s renewed focus on addressing climate change, the region has an opportunity to capitalize on the work we have already done to prepare for a clean energy future.

Current Status

Offshore Wind Procurements to Date:

  • 1,158 MW
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Main Projects:  

  • Park City Wind (804 MW)  
    • Contracted 2019 
    • Status: in process 
    • Estimated approval date (EAD): 2023 
    • Planned commercial operation date (COD): 2025 
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  • Revolution Wind (304 MW)  
    • Contracted 2018 
    • Status: in process 
    • EAD: 2023 
    • Planned COD: 2025 
Offshore Wind’s Progress in Connecticut

Gov. Ned Lamont ran on a platform of clean energy and environmental protection—and he made realizing these goals one of his top priorities. In June 2019, he signed Public Act 19-71 into law, ordering the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) to procure 2 GW of offshore wind energy. He also issued Executive Order No. 3 calling for Connecticut to transition to 100% zero-carbon energy by 2040.

Connecticut has two active offshore wind projects in development. Revolution Wind is a 704 MW joint procurement with Rhode Island, with staging operations to be based out of New London. Park City Wind is an 804 MW project with a base of operations to be developed in Bridgeport.

In March 2023, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection announced its plan for two new clean energy procurements, including up to 1,196 MW of additional offshore wind.

Read the Coalition’s Press Statement here.

The state is investing in the redevelopment of State Pier in New London through a private public partnership. This project will upgrade the infrastructure of State Pier for wind turbine generator assembly. The New London pier will also be used to support construction activities for two New York projects: South Fork Wind and Sunrise Wind.

Connecticut has created a Commission on Environmental Standards to ensure the construction and operation of new offshore wind facilities will not be detrimental to marine environment, wildlife or fisheries. The Commission submitted robust recommendations for the first round of procurements and anticipates an active role as Park City Wind moves forward and the state issues future solicitations for offshore wind.

Future Investments

Advocates will be working to ensure that Connecticut’s procurement process achieves robust deployments of the renewable resources the state needs to meet state clean energy and greenhouse gas reduction targets. 

In January 2021, the Governor’s Council on Climate Change issued a group of recommendations related to offshore wind as part of its review of the state’s climate policies. Among these recommendations were:

  • Using competitive bidding processes that drive down prices
  • Establishing clear targets for offshore wind
  • Doubling the offshore wind procurement mandate (up to 4,000 MW by 2030).
  • Requiring robust protections for endangered species and requiring wildlife habitat monitoring before, during, and after construction.

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