Eversource Energy’s Huntsbrook Offshore Wind Hub project proposal has been awarded $89 million in federal grant funding through the second round of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Grid Innovation Program.
The proposal was included in the Power Up New England project portfolio that was selected to receive $389 million in total funding through the DOE program, aimed at supporting New England’s clean energy transition while improving grid reliability across the region.
The Huntsbrook project consists of constructing a new 345 kV switching station in southeastern Connecticut at Huntsbrook Junction in Montville, established as a point of interconnection for future offshore wind developers to deliver 2,400 MW via high-voltage transmission lines from the offshore wind farm to the hub.
It is set to use existing utility property and rights of way.
“The U.S. Department of Energy recognized the significance of the Power Up New England portfolio, including our Huntsbrook project, and awarded a transformational investment in clean energy transmission and storage infrastructure that will improve grid reliability, accelerate renewable energy integration and reduce energy burdens across New England,” says Eversource’s Bill Quinlan.
“We appreciate the collaboration shown by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs and our other Power Up partners and are looking forward to continuing to work closely with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to advance our project, which will deliver resounding local economic and community benefits to Connecticut as we work to achieve the state’s clean energy goals and reduce carbon emissions in the coming years.”
The project has committed $4 million to establish the Connecticut Institute for Clean Energy at UConn, expected to help to expand the sustainable energy workforce in the state and region through scholarships, real-world engagement on offshore wind projects and certificate programs relating to offshore wind.
A further $1 million will be allocated for direct community benefits to the host communities and the Justice40 Initiative.
Eversource expects to develop and submit requests for necessary permits for the Huntsbrook Offshore Wind Hub starting later this year with review processes that it says could last through 2027. Pending receipt of all necessary permits per phase of work, The company anticipates construction to commence in 2028 and continue through 2031.
