Rhode Island has opened up its draft request for proposals (RFP) for offshore wind procurement to public feedback.
The announcement kickstarts a 30-day comment period that runs up until 7 October.
Utility Rhode Island Energy is administering the RFP process and will issue the procurement exercise to the market no later than 15 October, the state government confirmed.
Up to 1GW new offshore wind capacity is being targeted off the Rhode Island coast, where plans to develop the 400MW Revolution Wind project by Orsted and Eversource are already underway.
Governor Dan McKee said: “Rhode Island is home to the nation’s first offshore wind farm making us a leader in the blue economy, and this public comment period gives stakeholders an opportunity to make their voices heard during the RFP process.
“This is an important step toward developing an RFP that will effectively help to reach our climate, economic and environmental goals.”
Rhode Island lieutenant governor Sabina Matos added: “This massive addition to our offshore capacity will set our pace in pursuit the most ambitious path to 100% renewable electricity in the nation.
“We are looking forward to hearing from constituents about how we can expand in a way that feels equitable and accessible to all Rhode Islanders.”
A public hearing on the drafted RFP will be held later this month before Rhode Island Energy reviews the comments prior to issuing the final RFP to the offshore wind market for competitive proposals in mid-October.