Revolution Wind has received approval for its construction and operations plan (COP) from the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), moving the project toward construction.
The first utility-scale offshore wind farm serving Rhode Island and Connecticut, Revolution Wind will deliver 400 MW of power to Rhode Island and 304 MW to Connecticut, powering more than 350,000 homes across both states.
“This is a significant win for Rhode Island, marking an important milestone in our efforts to advance the state’s clean energy future and grow our already thriving blue economy,” says Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee. “Revolution Wind will be essential to advancing the state’s 100% renewable energy standard by 2033 and achieving our Act on Climate objectives. We look forward to seeing offshore construction and installation activity beginning in 2024.”
Revolution Wind’s onshore construction activities are already under way, with offshore construction ramping up next year. The project is expected to be operational in 2025.
The COP approval outlines the project’s 1 nm turbine spacing, the requirements on the construction methodology for all work occurring in federal ocean waters, and mitigation measures to protect marine habitats and species. BOEM’s final approval of the COP follows the agency’s August issuance of its record of decision, which concluded the BOEM-led environmental review of the project.
Ørsted and Eversource reached these provisions and protections working closely with a range of external organizations and experts, a commitment the companies carry to all stakeholder relationships to help ensure coexistence.
“Revolution Wind will not only advance the states’ climate goals, it will also deliver even more good-paying, local union jobs and build upon the investments we’re already making in Rhode Island, in Connecticut and across the U.S. supply chain,” says Ørsted’s David Hardy. “With this final Department of Interior approval, we look forward to a busy year of construction building American clean energy for Rhode Island and Connecticut.”
