The Iberdrola-CIP joint venture behind the 806MW Vineyard Wind project off the coast of Massachusetts has sued its turbine supplier GE Renewables over what the developers say are plans to abandon construction and maintenance work at the array.
Lawyers representing Vineyard Wind say that the turbine supplier sent a termination notice in February threatening to cancel the turbine supply agreement because of money GE says it is owed under the $1.3bn agreement.
The Iberdrola-CIP joint venture countered that it is withholding money from GE Renewables because “admittedly poor performance has caused nearly two full years of delays and given rise to substantial claims” by Vineyard Wind against the turbine supplier.
A blade collapse in July 2024 and subsequent investigation found that 68 of the 72 blades installed at Vineyard Wind at the time were defective and had to be replaced.
The project ultimately features 62 of GE’s Haliade-X 13MW machines.
Vineyard Wind says that as a result of delays it has withheld $308m in payments to GE Renewables, which the joint venture says it is allowed to do under its agreement with GE Renewables.
The Iberdrola-CIP joint venture is asking the Superior Court in Boston for a court order stopping GE Renewables from walking away from the contract.
In its complaint Vineyard Wind alleges that GE Renewables’ performance was “delayed from the start of its work on the Project”.
Vineyard Wind lawyers wrote: “Almost immediately, GER’s manufacturing of each of the three primary WTG components-towers, nacelles, and blades-fell well behind the schedule to which the parties agreed.”
A GE Vernova spokesman said installation of the turbines was completed recently and the majority are exporting power.
“Unfortunately, Vineyard Wind has chosen to withhold payments for more than 18 months, totaling more than $300 million, for work performed.
“Consequently, GE Vernova exercised its contractual right to terminate the ongoing project agreements for non-payment.
“The company remains committed to the safety of the wind farm and stands by our performance and our contractual obligations. We will vigorously defend our position through the appropriate legal process.”