Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has signed a new clean energy bill that will reform the state’s offshore wind procurement process and commits to a 5600MW target.
The bill, which was approved by the state legislature on 31 July, codifies Massachusetts’ commitment to procure 5.6GW by 2030, enough to power two million homes.
Massachusetts has already contracted nearly 2.5GW of offshore wind.
In addition to the clean energy commitments and improved procurement process, Massachusetts policymakers have created new tools to support industry development through supply chain advancement, infrastructure financing, and workforce development in the form of new tax incentives and grants.
John Begala, Vice President of Federal and State Policy at the Business Network for Offshore Wind: “The sweeping energy bill signed into law today showcases why Massachusetts continues to be a national leader in offshore wind development. The benefits of offshore wind are as powerful as the turbines themselves – generating clean, reliable, and affordable energy for tens of millions of homes across our country, creating 77,000 well-paying jobs this decade, and revitalizing the shipbuilding and domestic manufacturing industries.
“The procurement reforms and historic investments will help the state fully realize all these economic and environmental benefits, leading to a stronger offshore wind industry with greater job creation, new economic activity, and a more reliable and affordable power sector.”