Rhode Island Energy Announces Latest Milestone to Bring More Offshore Wind to Rhode Island

Rhode Island Energy announced that it is issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit an additional 600 to 1,000 MW of offshore wind to help power the state's energy needs.

Adding to the nation's first offshore wind farm that sits in waters off Block Island and the proposed Revolution Wind project, this additional procurement could help meet over 70% of the state's estimated 2030 electricity demand with carbon-free energy.

The new procurement alone has the potential to power about 700,000 homes each year.

"We promised that we would lead when it came to helping Rhode Island meet its clean energy goals, and achieving this latest milestone is proof of our commitment," said Dave Bonenberger, president of Rhode Island Energy. "This procurement is critical to meeting the state's 100% renewable generation goal by the 2033 target and accelerating growth in the local clean energy economy."

Rhode Island Energy filed a draft RFP with the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission (RIPUC), allowing for 30 days of public comment. 

As part of the solicitation, required under the state's Affordable Clean Energy Act, Rhode Island Energy is seeking bids from potential developers to enter into long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) for energy from newly developed offshore wind projects.

Any potential long-term contract durations would be between 15 and 20 years.