Rhode Island Energy announced today that it will evaluate offshore wind (OSW) proposals from four project developers in response to a request for proposals (RFP) for approximately 1,200 MW of clean and affordable energy – the largest procurement in state history.
Proposals were received from: Avangrid Renewables LLC, Orsted, SouthCoast Wind Energy LLC, and Vineyard Offshore. The evaluation process is expected to take several months.
“Our company is committed to helping Rhode Island meet its nation-leading clean energy goals and will carefully review these proposals,” said Greg Cornett, president of Rhode Island Energy. “Our objective is to advance the clean energy transition while keeping energy affordable and reliable for our customers. This is the lens through which we will evaluate these proposals.”
Rhode Island Energy requested proposals this past October as part of a coordinated solicitation with state agencies and utilities in neighboring Massachusetts and Connecticut. Adding to the nation’s first offshore wind farm that sits in waters off Block Island and the Revolution Wind project now under development, this additional procurement could help meet more than 80% of the state’s estimated 2030 electricity demand with carbon-free energy.
“We look forward to the next phase of the process in alignment with Massachusetts and Connecticut. As we move forward, our evaluation will consider how each proposal meets the requirements of both the RFP and Rhode Island state law while balancing costs for our customers,” Cornett noted.
“This is an exciting day to be receiving project proposals from multiple offshore wind companies – including multi-state project proposals with Massachusetts and Connecticut, and individual project proposals specific to Rhode Island,” said Acting State Energy Commissioner Chris Kearns. “We look forward to reviewing the proposals with Rhode Island Energy along with Massachusetts and Connecticut State Energy Offices over the next few months with the potential of advancing new offshore wind projects that balance climate change, environmental, ratepayer and economic development interests.”
As for next steps, a timeline of key milestones is listed on the RFP’s website at www.ricleanenergyrfp.com. Evaluation of the proposals is expected to take approximately three months, at which time Rhode Island Energy will determine whether to move forward with contract negotiations. Any PPAs agreed to by Rhode Island Energy will be subject to review and approval by the state’s Public Utilities Commission.