Massachusetts will likely include regulatory support for offshore wind in an upcoming omnibus energy bill, state senate president Stan Rosenberg said at a University of Massachusetts panel on offshore wind power.
The New England state, which has among the most expensive electricity in the US, is debating a long-term energy plan. It is also expected to include substantial hydroelectricity imports from Quebec.
“It’s critical to ensure a reliable, steady supply,” said Rosenberg.
Energy demand in the region is increasing at a time when capacity will fall by about 9GW over the next four years as oil, gas and nuclear plants shut down.
“We’re now going on to the next chapter,” said Rosenberg “How do we stimulate offshore wind, onshore wind and hydropower, imported and domestically produced?”
The senator expects an energy bill will land on the governor’s desk by the end of July that would “create the vision for how we’re going to encourage and support the creation of wind energy, particularly offshore wind,” and long-term contracts for hydropower.
In the longer term, the state’s goals include generating as much clean energy in Massachusetts as possible, said Rosenberg.
Image: the bill could mean Massachusetts waters could host projects like Block Island (Deepwater Wind)
