Mayflower Wind has filed 20-year power purchase agreements (PPAs) with the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) to supply three of Massachusetts’ largest utilities for 1200MW of electricity generated by offshore wind.
DPU approval of the PPAs will trigger the release of Mayflower’s 20-year commitment to expend $119.8m on economic development investments that will support ports and infrastructure improvements, training and education, applied research and marine science, and support for low-income electric consumers among other initiatives.
Mayflower Wind’s economic development investments are the combined result of its 2019 Massachusetts offshore wind procurement, 83CII win for 804MW and its December 2021 400MW procurement win under MA 83CIII.
Mayflower Wind chief executive Michael Brown said: “Mayflower Wind has binding agreements with more than 10 organisations in the region.
“Mayflower’s economic development commitments will be distributed throughout the SouthCoast and beyond to help deliver positive economic change and social justice, foster local workforce and supply chain development, and meet the Commonwealth’s goals for clean, renewable energy.
“Mayflower Wind is proud to be supporting the Commonwealth’s development of a vibrant offshore wind industry, one that will deliver clean affordable energy to residents and businesses throughout Massachusetts.
“We are also looking forward to further strengthening our many partnerships, investing in local communities and becoming a strong engine for economic and workforce development on the SouthCoast.”
The SouthCoast Community Foundation is set to receive $27m in funding from Mayflower Wind over the next 10 years
SouthCoast Community Foundation president and chief executive Leonard Lee said: “The value of Mayflower Wind’s commitment to the South Coast cannot be understated.
“The SouthCoast Community Foundation is excited to partner with community leaders and organizations to begin the work of developing an offshore wind workforce and bringing those opportunities equally to all members of our region.”
Other beneficiaries of Mayflower Wind’s economic development investments include, Buzzards Bay Habitat for Humanity, Mass Clean Energy Center, SouthCoast LGBTQ+ Network, Bristol Community College Foundation, Massachusetts Maritime Academy Foundation, MassHire Greater New Bedford Workforce Board, RPS Group, National Society of Black Engineers Boston Professionals, Gladding-Hearn Shipyard, and the Cape Light Compact.