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With a Favorable Record of Decision, Vineyard Wind 1 is On Track to Deliver for Massachusetts

Avangrid Renewables

With a Favorable Record of Decision, Vineyard Wind 1 is On Track to Deliver for Massachusetts

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In the works since 2017, the Vineyard Wind 1 project has received its final major federal approval to begin building the first commercial-scale offshore wind project in the United States. On May 11, 2021, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) delivered a favorable Record of Decision (ROD) allowing Vineyard Wind 1 to begin construction in 2021 and delivering energy in 2023.

The project – a joint venture between Avangrid Renewables and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners – represents the beginning of an energy transition in New England where clean power will be created by harnessing strong coastal winds 15 miles off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard. It also aligns with the Biden Administration’s goal to deploy 30 gigawatts of offshore wind by 2030. U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland said that the approval of Vineyard Wind is “a significant milestone in our efforts to build a clean and more equitable energy future while addressing the climate emergency.”

“Offshore wind is a key part of America’s clean energy future, and Vineyard Wind 1 is a major step forward to the clean and connected future we envision and work toward every day,” said Dennis V. Arriola, CEO of AVANGRID.

Offshore Wind Power is a Win

When fully operational, Vineyard Wind 1 will generate 800 MW of much-needed clean power, which is enough to power more than 400,000 homes and businesses in Massachusetts.

In addition, offshore wind projects deliver economic and environmental benefits. Vineyard Wind will:

  • Support our economic recovery by creating thousands of clean energy jobs.
  • Save ratepayers approximately $1.4 billion over 20 years.
  • Reduce carbon emissions by 1.6 million tons per year.

Community Connection

Like any large infrastructure project, clean energy projects can have an impact on communities. Being a good neighbor that recognizes and mitigates this impact is a priority for Vineyard Wind, and for Avangrid and CIP. By engaging with neighboring communities, environmental organizations and advocates, fisheries organizations, and governmental and tribal entities, Vineyard Wind was able to identify opportunities to work with others in the on and off shore communities to reduce project impacts and make it even better. . Some of the steps taken include:

  • Commitments to study any impact on the marine environment.
  • Investments to protect the North Atlantic Right Whale.
  • Compensation for fishermen for potential loss of revenue and to support their ability to continue to fish in and around the project.
  • Funding to study and recognize Native American tribal heritage sites.

“We appreciate the thorough review by BOEM as well as the considerable input from stakeholders,” added Arriola. “The broad engagement from many parties throughout this process has improved the project and positioned both Vineyard Wind 1 and the broader offshore wind industry for long-term success.”

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