A power purchase agreement for the 804MW Park City offshore wind farm off the US east coast has been filed with the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA).
The PPA between the developer Vineyard Wind and the state’s two regulated electric utilities Eversource Energy and United Illuminating will now be reviewed by PURA.
The filings follow several extensions to the deadline to deliver the contract because of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) selected Park City Wind in December 2019 to advance to contract negotiations with the two utilities.
DEEP said the filing of the contracts marks another forward step for the offshore wind project.
If approved by PURA, Park City Wind will provide the equivalent of 14% of the state’s electricity supply when it comes online in 2025, and represents the largest purchase of renewable energy in Connecticut’s history.
Under the agreements, the utilities would purchase energy and environmental attributes associated with the project for a 20-year term.
Vineyard Wind chief executive Lars Thaaning-Pedersen said: “The signing of these agreements would be a huge milestone for the project during ordinary times, but that fact that we were able to get this done during the Covid-19 crisis is all the more significant.
“We want to thank DEEP and the Connecticut EDCs for working with us as we take giant steps forward to bring Connecticut’s largest ever commitment to clean, renewable energy to fruition.”
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont said: “This news marks another positive step toward our goal of achieving a completely carbon-free electricity supply within 20 years.
“I look forward to the day this project comes online, and the many significant benefits it will bring Connecticut, its residents, and the region for years to come.
“This project is a critical element to the state becoming a leader in this emerging industry, and it will spur incredible job growth and economic activity around our state.”
DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said: “I want to thank Eversource and United Illuminating for working diligently to reach agreement on moving this important project forward.
“The Park City Wind Project will help revitalise Bridgeport Harbor and bring many skilled jobs to Connecticut, and Vineyard has committed to constructing and operating this project in an environmentally sensitive manner protecting the ecosystem while also working with the local fishing community.
“This project and the previously selected project will make Connecticut a major hub for offshore wind development for years to come.”
Eversource vice president of energy supply James Daly said: “We are proud to support the development of renewable energy which will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change in our region.
“The additional 804MW of offshore wind power in this PPA will work to advance Connecticut’s clean energy future and economic development.”
UI owner Avangrid Networks chief executive Tony Marone said: “We are pleased that UI has the opportunity to help Connecticut bring the benefits of clean, renewable offshore wind energy to our customers.
“We believe offshore wind development will be a key component of Connecticut’s clean energy future, in keeping with our company’s purpose of working together to deliver a more accessible clean energy model that promotes healthier and more sustainable communities every day.”