Rhode Island Energy has issued a Request for Proposals (RfP) to secure an additional 1200MW of offshore wind to help power the US east coast state’s energy needs.
Developer bids can include proposals less than or up to approximately 1200MW.
As part of the solicitation, Rhode Island Energy is seeking bids from potential developers to enter into long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) for energy and renewable energy certificates (RECs) from newly developed offshore wind projects pursuant to the state’s Affordable Clean Energy Security (ACES) Act.
As outlined in the RfP, responding bids will be received through 31 January 2024, with any winning bidders announced in summer 2024.
Responses to the RfP would be evaluated by Rhode Island Energy in consultation with the state’s Office of Energy Resources and Division of Public Utilities and Carriers.
Any future PPAs agreed to by Rhode Island Energy will be subject to review and approval by the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission (PUC).
The energy company issued its RfP shortly after Connecticut, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the state of Rhode Island signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that could allow for a coordinated multi-state selection of offshore wind opportunities as each state seeks their own procurements in a similar time frame.
“Bringing more affordable offshore wind opportunities to Rhode Island and our region is a key priority for us,” said Dave Bonenberger, president of Rhode Island Energy.
He added: “We know there’s a sense of urgency to get more renewables online and we believe this next RfP will give developers a new, unique opportunity to think creatively about how they can meet the state’s clean energy and economic development goals, while balancing our customers’ affordability needs.”
Rhode Island is home to the nation’s first offshore wind farm that sits in waters off Block Island.
Transmission upgrades are already underway for a second offshore wind project, known as Revolution Wind, which will bring more than 700MW of energy to Connecticut and Rhode Island.