4C Offshore Empowering Intelligence

Vineyard Wind wins in Connecticut

4C Offshore | James Bernthal-Hooker
By: James Bernthal-Hooker 06/12/2019 Department of Energy & Environmental Protection
The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) in Connecticut has announced the winning bid in the state’s offshore wind solicitation.

Developer Vineyard Wind was successful with its 804 MW
Park City Wind proposal, and will enter into contract negotiation with the state’s electric distribution companies for a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA).

A competitive request for proposals (RFP) was conducted under Public Act 19-71, An Act Concerning the Procurement of Energy Derived from Offshore Wind, signed by Governor Ned Lamont in June following bipartisan support in the General Assembly. According to DEEP, this project will meet the equivalent of 14% of the state’s electricity supply needs. This is Connecticut’s largest renewable energy purchase to date.

DEEP reports: “The Park City Wind project is offered at a price lower than any other publicly announced offshore wind project in North America. When it comes online in 2025, the project will enable Connecticut to avoid emitting more than 25 million short tons of carbon dioxide while improving electric grid reliability in cold winter periods, a critical feature that will speed Connecticut’s transition away from reliance on natural gas power plants.

Also included in the project proposal is direct economic development in Connecticut, to the tune of approximately $890 million, including support for Bridgeport Harbour and the local supply chain. Vineyard Wind has committed to paying no less than the prevailing wage and estimates that the project will create 2,800 direct full-time employment years will in Connecticut.

Connecticut is diversifying its offshore wind portfolio with this latest procurement selection, which sets up Connecticut as a regional leader in the creation of a thriving industry that will bring tangible benefits for our state and the entire region,” said the state’s Governor Ned Lamont.

Vineyard Wind is proud that our Park City Wind proposal was selected in this competitive process and we are excited to work with Governor Lamont and DEEP to deliver jobs and economic development opportunities to the Bridgeport region and meaningful reductions in harmful carbon emissions,” said Lars Pedersen, CEO of Vineyard Wind. “Today’s announcement takes Connecticut one step closer to being the epicentre of the new offshore wind industry, with thriving ports in both Bridgeport and New London. We look forward to building on the work already underway with a network of project partners, local officials, the maritime community, other developers, and all stakeholders involved to make Connecticut a hub for the offshore wind industry in the United States for decades to come.”

As part of the RFP process, DEEP convened a Commission on Environmental Standards to provide input on best practices for avoiding, minimizing, and mitigating impacts to wildlife, marine users, and ecosystems. The Park City Wind project scored highest for addressing environmental and fisheries impacts, according to DEEP. As well as thoroughly assessing potential hazards and mitigation options, the proposal provides for a comprehensive stakeholder engagement process, vigorous environmental monitoring, a considered plan for decommissioning, and a commitment to the one-nautical-mile-by-one-nautical-mile turbine layout option that
4C Offshore reported last month.

DEEP is appreciative of the constructive and extensive input we received from the Commission and the many stakeholders who participated in this process,” DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said. “The recommendations provided by the Commission and all the input we received enhanced our ability to evaluate the bids and ensure the state’s investment in offshore wind is compatible with our climate, environment and energy policy.”

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