Connecticut House Nods to 2GW of Offshore Wind

The Connecticut House of Representatives has voted 134-10 in favour of legislation authorizing the development of 2,000MW of wind capacity offshore Connecticut.

The legislation, House Bill 7156, An Act Concerning the Procurement of Energy Derived From Offshore Wind, will next be referred to the State Senate.

It ensures that the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) must initiate a solicitation 14 days after the passage and requires DEEP to set up a future schedule for procurements, among other provisions.

Earlier this month, the State of Connecticut, through the Connecticut Port Authority, and terminal operator Gateway partnered with Bay State Wind, a joint venture between Ørsted and Eversource, on a deal that will redevelop State Pier in New London into an offshore wind hub through combined public-private investment of USD 93 million to upgrade its infrastructure and heavy-lift capability.

“Our administration is working hard to put Connecticut in a place to become the center hub of the offshore wind industry in New England, and this legislation moves us one step closer to making that a reality,” Connecticut’s Governor Ned Lamont said.

“Our valuable shoreline has the potential to provide multiple benefits to Connecticut residents – by delivering zero carbon renewable energy, we can increase the regional grid’s fuel security and make significant progress toward meeting our climate goals, all while driving economic growth and creating good jobs. This is an opportunity that we cannot squander, and the growing, unified momentum behind this bill shows just how important this is to Connecticut. I’ve spoken with numerous members of the Senate about this bill, and I am confident that we can get it approved in that chamber so that I can sign it into law.”

Connecticut has already approved its first wind project, the 300MW Revolution Wind developed by Ørsted and Eversource and slated for commissioning in 2023.