Two US states have awarded backing to four offshore wind farms totalling 3200MW after confirming the winners of two separate solicitations.
Both Massachusetts and Maryland each dished out support for 1.6GW apiece on Friday.
Avangrid Renewables was the largest single winner of all four projects, securing backing for its 1232MW Commonwealth Wind project off Massachusetts.
Commonwealth Wind includes two initiatives that convert former coal-fired power plant sites into clean energy centres including the creation of the state’s first offshore wind manufacturing facility at Brayton Point in Somerset and the establishment of a second offshore wind port in Salem Harbour.
“Commonwealth Wind is part of Avangrid’s vision to build a clean energy economy through community investment and reimagination. This strategic project will diversify the energy workforce with good paying jobs while providing cost-effective, renewable energy,” said chief executive Dennis Arriola.
“The energy transition requires real commitment, expertise and vision and we thank the Baker Administration and the people of Massachusetts for their continued support as we work together to make this collective dream a reality.”
Mayflower Wind secured backing for a 400MW project from the state, bringing its total contracted capacity in the area to 1.2GW.
The win is accompanied by an economic development package that includes commitments to spend up to $42.3 million, including $27 million over 10 years to the SouthCoast Community Foundation.
“Mayflower Wind is looking forward to delivering low-cost renewable energy to residents and businesses throughout Massachusetts,” said Michael Brown, CEO of Mayflower Wind. “And we are committed to investing in our local communities and being an engine for economic and workforce development.”
Maryland meanwhile awarded more than 1.6GW of capacity.
US Wind secured backing for its 808.5MW Momentum Wind project at a levelised price of $54.17 per megawatt-hour for a term of 20 years.
Orsted won with its 864MW Skipjack 2 at a levelized price of $71.61/MWh, also for 20 years.
The projects are both expected to be operational before the end of 2026, but are also subject to review by the U.S. Department of the Interior‘s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management.
As part of the winning bids, the developers committed to invest new monopile, tower, and array cable facilities, along with other economic benefits.