Rhode Island kicks off 1-GW offshore wind procurement

Rhode Island Energy, the state’s primary utility company, on Friday launched a request for proposals (RfP) for offshore wind energy, targeting an additional 600 MW to 1,000 MW of capacity.

The procurement round was issued in order to help Rhode Island meet its goal of supplying more than 70% of its estimated 2030 electricity needs with carbon-free energy. Its opening was a requirement in the state’s recently passed legislation that set a 100% renewable energy generation goal by 2033 and follows the release of a draft RfP in September.

The deadline for submitting applications is February 1, 2023. Winners are due to be announced in early August 2023.

Through the competitive solicitation, Rhode Island Energy is seeking bids to enter into long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) of at least 15 years and up to 20 years for newly developed schemes that could range in size from 100 MW to 1,000 MW. The utility estimates that if installed, the targeted capacity will generate electricity for around 700,000 homes per year.

“The goal would be to have any winning project(s) operational to support the state's achievement of its 100% renewable target by 2033,” Rhode Island Energy said.

All contracts signed through the process will need to be approved by the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission (RIPUC).

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