Connecticut Governor Dannel P. Malloy and Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Commissioner Robert Klee announced that the state has selected over 250 MW of clean and renewable energy projects as part of DEEP’s recent Clean Energy Request for Proposals.
Connecticut has announced that it will procure 200 MW of offshore wind power from Deepwater Wind’s Revolution project. (Photo: Deepwater Wind)
A total of 200 MW (824,830 MWh) will be procured offshore from Deepwater Wind‘s Revolution Wind Project, in addition to multiple fuel cell projects and a new anaerobic digestion facility.
“DEEP is focused on providing cheaper, cleaner, and more reliable energy to the residents and businesses of Connecticut,” said Commissioner Klee. “These six projects accomplish that goal at every step. Offshore wind, anaerobic digestion, and fuel cells are the clean, resilient, and diverse energy sources that our state and nation need. Connecticut is showing the rest of the nation what the future of clean energy looks like.”
“Governor Malloy is setting the course for Connecticut’s clean energy future. We’re proud to partner with Connecticut to help the state achieve its bold renewable energy goals. Our Revolution Wind project will bring hundreds of new direct jobs to Connecticut and deliver affordable, homegrown energy to ratepayers,” added Jeffery Grybowski, CEO Deepwater Wind.
The competitive process and buying in bulk with other states in the region continues to successfully drive costs down while at the same time achieving a cleaner, cheaper, and more reliable electric grid. The selections in this procurement are equivalent to 4.7% of Connecticut’s load.
The projects selected are:
- 200 MW (824,830 MWh) offshore wind from the Revolution Wind Project (Deepwater Wind). This will be incremental to the 400 MW from the same project selected by Rhode Island.
- 52 MW (450,011 MWh) fuel cells including: Energy and Innovation Park New Britain (Doosan)
- 19.98 MW Colchester (Bloom)
- 10 MW Hartford Fuel Cell (Fuel Cell Energy)
- 7.4 MW Derby Fuel Cell (Fuel Cell Energy) 14.8 MW
- 1.6 MW (10,519 MWh) Anaerobic Digestion Southington (Turning Earth)
Selected projects will now enter negotiations with the electric distribution utilities, Eversource and United Illuminating, to reach agreement on 20-year contracts. If successful, the contracts will be brought to PURA for final approval.
“This is a game-changer in terms of high-tech jobs, high-speed data processing and clean energy, and we applaud the DEEP and its RFP process and the evaluation team for having the vision to recognize not only the clean energy benefits of this project, but also its transformative power as an important first step to a significant economic development opportunity for both New Britain and the state,” said Mark Wick, a partner with EIP, LLC.
“Along with neighboring states in the region, we have achieved an historic offshore wind purchase, totaling 1400 MW,” he added. This include 800 MW by Massachusetts, 400 MW by Rhode Island, and 200 MW by Connecticut.
Connecticut’s authority under Public Act 17-144 for offshore wind is limited to 3% of the Connecticut Electric Distribution Companies’ total electric load, and Connecticut has selected that full amount. Deepwater Wind made specific commitments around job development and use of the Port of New London, including:
- At least $15 million investment in the New London State Pier to allow substantial aspects of the project to be constructed in New London;
- Significant portions of construction and/or assembly will occur in New London, including foundation components (known as secondary steel) and the offshore substation;
- Contracting with a Connecticut-based boat builder to construct one of the project’s crew transfer vessels in Connecticut;
- Opening and staffing a new development office in New London;
- Entering into a host-community agreement with the City of New London to support offshore wind and economic development;
- Consulting with the Eastern Connecticut Workforce Investment Board and its existing workforce programs for opportunities for workforce development;
- Developing a strong research partnership with the University of Connecticut’s Avery Point Campus; and
- Providing local businesses with opportunities to participate in the development process.
Filed Under: News, Offshore wind, Policy, Projects
