Revolution Wind: Governor McKee inspects offshore wind progress

By: Chloe Emanuel

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17/11/2023 Revolution Wind

Rhode Island's Governor Dan McKee and regional leaders joined forces at the Quonset Business Park to witness the accelerated strides made in the construction of Revolution Wind, the pioneering utility-scale offshore wind farm for Rhode Island and Connecticut. Ørsted and Eversource, the joint venture partners, hosted the visit to showcase the substantial progress of this groundbreaking offshore wind project.

The onshore underground transmission system at Quonset was a focal point during the visit, gathering state officials, business leaders, community representatives, and union labor advocates. The ramping up of onshore work has already generated nearly 100 local union construction positions, contributing to Rhode Island's robust job market.
Governor McKee emphasized the project's significance, stating, "We continue to leverage our natural resources to drive job creation and meet clean energy goals. The progress witnessed today marks a pivotal moment in Rhode Island's momentum within this critical economic sector."

Revolution Wind is anticipated to create thousands of direct, indirect, and induced jobs, along with permanent operations and maintenance positions, significantly impacting both Rhode Island and Connecticut. Upon completion, the 704-megawatt Revolution Wind will power more than 350,000 homes across both states, reinforcing their commitment to ambitious climate targets.

Home to over 13,000 jobs at 229 companies, Quonset Business Park, led by the Quonset Development Corporation (QDC), has emerged as a pivotal hub for offshore wind development. Governor McKee and the General Assembly's support have been instrumental in solidifying Quonset's position in the North Atlantic offshore wind industry.

Industry leaders reiterated the project's importance, highlighting its impact on job creation and the region's clean energy future. Eversource and Ørsted emphasized their commitment to local labor through a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) with Rhode Island's building and construction trades.

Revolution Wind, set to deliver clean renewable energy to over 350,000 homes, is currently progressing with its onshore transmission system. Offshore construction is slated to commence in 2024, with operations expected to begin in 2025.

The joint venture's recent Final Investment Decision (FID) in October marked the official commencement of the full construction scope. With the final approval from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) anticipated in November, Revolution Wind is steadfastly moving towards its operational phase.



For more information about offshore wind farm projects across the globe, click here.

About the Author

4C Offshore | Chloe Emanuel
Chloe Emanuel

Press Coordinator

01502 307037 Chloe.Emanuel@4coffshore.net