Analysis: Offshore Wind Project Would Provide Economic Benefits To Rhode Island
Deepwater Wind’s proposed offshore wind projects could provide significant economic benefits to Rhode Island, according to analysis conducted by Levitan & Associates.
According to the “Advisory Opinion on the Economic Development Benefits of the Proposed Block Island Wind Farm,” Rhode Island stands to gain $107 million if a small offshore wind project were to be constructed. That number rises if the larger, 385 MW project, also proposed by Deepwater Wind, were to be built.
Deepwater Wind plans to develop the 28 MW Block Island Wind Farm in state waters, about three miles off the southeastern coast of Block Island. This demonstration project will include up to eight turbines. The wind farm is expected to provide approximately 1% of Rhode Island’s energy needs. Deepwater declined to comment for this story.
In June, Gov. Donald Carcieri, R-R.I., signed legislation that requires that a new power purchase agreement (PPA) between National Grid and Deepwater Wind be filed with the Public Utilities Commission (PUC). The revised PPA is currently being reviewed by the PUC, which is expected to make a decision by mid-August. Read more…
