Avangrid and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners have announced their 806MW Vineyard Wind 1 project is now delivering more than 136MW to the grid in Massachusetts, making it the largest operating offshore wind farm in the US.
The first large-scale offshore array in the country now has 10 turbines in operation, producing enough to power 64,000 homes and businesses in the Commonwealth.
Vineyard Wind 1 has currently installed 47 foundations and transition pieces and 21 turbines, with installation of the 22nd machine underway.
The project will be the largest renewable energy facility in New England once fully operational, delivering 806MW – enough electricity to power 400,000 homes and businesses.
Avangrid chief executive Pedro Azagra, said: “With 10 turbines now in operation, Avangrid is delivering enough clean energy to power more than 60,000 homes and businesses in Massachusetts.
“Our Vineyard Wind 1 project continues to demonstrate the significant benefits that offshore wind offers the New England region, delivering well-paying union jobs, local investment, and clean energy that is helping Massachusetts meet its growing demand for electricity.”
In February 2024, Vineyard Wind delivered approximately 68MW from five turbines to the grid.
Building on the 136MW currently in operation, additional power will be delivered to the grid sequentially, with each turbine starting production once it completes the commissioning process.
The power from the project interconnects to the New England grid in Barnstable, transmitted by underground cables that link to a substation further inland on Cape Cod. Once completed, the project will consist of 62 wind turbines.
Offshore wind is a critical energy resource in the Northeast region, and is uniquely positioned to meet the New England region’s winter peak demand.
Vineyard Wind began offshore construction in late 2022, achieved steel-in-the-water in June 2023, and completed the nation’s first offshore substation in July 2023.
Construction flows through the New Bedford Marine Commerce Terminal.
In July 2021, Vineyard Wind signed the first project labor agreement for an offshore wind project in the United States, which outlined the creation of 500 union jobs though the project.
In December 2023, project shareholders announced that Vineyard Wind 1 has delivered nearly double of its commitment through the PLA by creating 937 union jobs through two years of construction.