Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker is expected to sign the state’s landmark energy bill which calls for public utilities to buy 1,600 MW of power generated from offshore wind farms over the coming decade on Monday, 8 August.
The legislation directs companies engaging in the distribution of electricity or owning, operating or controlling distribution facilities to jointly and competitively solicit proposals for offshore wind energy generation from offshore wind developers, the Maryland-based Business Network For Offshore Wind said in a statement.
An offshore wind developer will provide electricity from a project on the Outer Continental Shelf, ten miles from any inhabited area.
Distribution companies will enter into contracts for the purchase of up to 1,600 MW of aggregate nameplate capacity by June 30, 2027. Individual solicitations submitted must be for no less than 400 MW of aggregate nameplate capacity and must occur within a 24 month time period.
This bill is unprecedented as it creates the beginning of a US offshore wind pipeline, according to the Business Network For Offshore Wind.
“This landmark legislation creates the demand required for businesses to make investments in the emerging offshore wind market, which will provide numerous supply chain opportunities and thousands of jobs,” said Liz Burdock, Executive Director of the Business Network For Offshore Wind.
“If you are a company looking to either diversify or enter the U.S. market, there has never been a better time to get educated, involved and actively supportive of additional government policies.”