Gov. Donald L. Carcieri, R-R.I., praised the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission (PUC) for approving the power purchase agreement (PPA) between National Grid and Deepwater Wind LLC for the development of the Block Island wind project.
‘This decision represents a major step in solidifying Rhode Island's leadership position in offshore wind development,’ says Bill Moore, CEO of Deepwater Wind.
The Block Island wind project will include up to eight turbines and is expected to provide approximately 1% of Rhode Island's energy needs. National Grid will buy electricity from Deepwater Wind at the rate of $0.244/kWh. Deepwater Wind must still secure PUC approval of a transmission line connecting the Block Island demonstration project with the Island and with mainland Rhode Island.
Patrick Lynch, the state's attorney, says he will appeal the decision, the Associated Press reports.
Carcieri cited the economic development and the economic security benefits of wind power.
‘From an economic-development perspective, we will capture significant economic-development benefits, including the creation of hundreds of jobs at Quonset Point,’ he says. ‘In addition, if Rhode Island is at the nexus of an offshore wind industry in the Northeast, we expect to attract ancillary turbine, blade, and component companies to Rhode Island to support this new industry.’
The new PPA was the result of legislation passed this year by the General Assembly, and signed by Carcieri, that clarified the intent of the original long-term contracting legislation.
The new law required that a new PPA between National Grid and Deepwater Wind be filed with the PUC with a decision rendered within 45 days and include public comment.
SOURCES: Office of Gov. Donald L. Carcieri, The Associated Press
