Massachusetts adopts 5.6-GW offshore wind goal with new law

Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker on Thursday signed into law a climate change bill that aims to facilitate the state on the way towards reaching its goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and sets a new goal for offshore wind procurement.

The comprehensive clean energy legislation bets on supply chain advancement, infrastructure financing and workforce development through new tax incentives and grants. It contains policies targeting the renewables, transportation and fossil fuel sectors. For offshore wind, in particular, the legislature will bring reforms within the procurement process and new funding opportunities, calling for the Commonwealth to contract 5.6 GW by end-June 2027.

At present, the state has contracted close to 2.5 GW of offshore wind capacity.

Overall, the new law envisages measures in the offshore wind segment and improvements to the electricity networks, while it will put a ban on selling new gas- or diesel-powered vehicles after 2035 and provide incentives for electric vehicles. It also allows 10 towns and cities to require all-electric, fossil fuel-free new construction.

The climate change bill was approved by the state legislature at the end of July.

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