Offshore wind file photo: Damir K / Pexels
Revolution Wind has reached full commercial operations, adding 704 megawatts of offshore wind capacity to New England’s electricity system under long-term contracts serving Rhode Island and Connecticut.
Developer Ørsted said in its November 5 company announcement that the project achieved commercial operations in October after installation of its remaining turbines. The Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources confirmed full operational status Thursday.
The milestone moves the project from construction and ramp-up into electricity delivery under its utility contracts. For businesses and households in the two states, it adds a new source of power to the regional grid as buyers seek dependable supply and more predictable energy costs.
Power contracted to two states
Rhode Island contracted for 400 megawatts of the project’s capacity and Connecticut for the remaining 304 megawatts, the state energy office said. The wind farm is located approximately 15 miles south of Rhode Island in federal waters and is expected to generate enough electricity for about 350,000 homes.
Ørsted and Skyborn Renewables developed the project, which supplies power under fixed-price, 20-year agreements with utilities in the two states, Offshore Engineer reported.
Rhode Island and Connecticut selected the project in 2018, according to the Rhode Island energy office. Acting Commissioner Chris Kearns said it would diversify the state and region’s electricity-generation portfolios and help reduce emissions over the long term.
First power preceded full commissioning
The project began sending electricity to New England’s grid in March. Generation increased as construction and commissioning continued, before October’s full commercial milestone.
Ørsted included Revolution Wind among the construction milestones in its first-nine-months financial update. The company also reported that Germany’s 913-megawatt Borkum Riffgrund 3 wind farm entered commercial operations in August.
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