The developers of the 800MW Vineyard Wind offshore wind farm in the US have received permits for the project’s connection to the regional grid in Massachusetts.
The Massachusetts Energy Facilities Siting Board (EFSB), an independent state board responsible for review of proposed large energy facilities, approved petitions filed by Vineyard Wind for construction and operation of the wind farm’s transmission cables and interconnection substation.
Vineyard Wind chief development officer Erich Stephens said: “Approval by the Massachusetts EFSB is another affirmation of the collaborative, community-focused approach that Vineyard Wind has taken in designing and developing the nation’s first commercial scale offshore wind project.
“We want to thank the residents and officials of the town of Barnstable who took the time to explore opportunities to address local concerns while simultaneously delivering enough cost-competitive, carbon-free energy to serve six percent of the Commonwealth’s electricity demand, making the project a real win-win-win.”
Vineyard Wind is a partnership of Avangrid Renewables and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners.
Avangrid Renewables president and chief executive Laura Beane said: “Today’s decision is another critical step forward as Vineyard Wind moves toward beginning onshore construction later this year.
“The future of the American offshore wind energy industry is rising in Massachusetts thanks to the commitment of many stakeholders to deliver competitive solutions to climate change, and we remain committed to delivering environmental benefits and economic opportunity through our investment.”
CIP partner Michael Hannibal said: “The EFSB’s decision is another example of how the global offshore wind experience and expertise of Vineyard Wind’s joint venture partners, coupled with the local knowledge from our growing team, is able to design and deliver a great project for Massachusetts, and create new economic growth and opportunity for the Commonwealth.
“Vineyard Wind’s diligent efforts to develop America’s first commercial-scale offshore wind project are centred around a firm commitment to work closely with stakeholders at the state, local, regional and national levels.”
Vineyard Wind said the project remains on schedule to start onshore construction this year and become operational in 2021.
It will feature MHI Vestas 9.5MW turbines.