The governor of the US state of Rhode Island Dan McKee has signed into law legislation to procure up to 1GW of offshore wind capacity.
The request for proposals calls for 600MW to 1GW of offshore wind that has the potential to meet at least 30% of Rhode Island’s estimated 2030 electricity demand.
Rhode Island’s primary utility company, Rhode Island Energy, is required to issue the procurement no later than 15 October this year.
The bill will allow the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to decide whether the utility will receive a renumeration payment of up to 1% of the contract amount.
This incentive allowance will expire at the end of 2026.
Three agencies will review any proposed offshore wind contract and provide advisory opinions.
They are the Office of Energy Resources, the Department of Environmental Management, and Rhode Island Commerce.
PUC will review any contracts that result from this RFP and issue a ruling.
McKee (pictured) said: “Offshore wind is one of our state’s most abundant natural resources. Adding offshore wind clean energy capacity is essential for meeting our new 100% renewable energy by 2033 goal and our Act on Climate emissions reductions target.
“It will not only be beneficial for the environment, but also create hundreds of jobs as we position Rhode Island as an economic hub of this growing offshore wind industry on the Atlantic Coast.”