Wind Energy – Revolution WInd 2
Yesterday Rhode Island Energy in a press release that the company decided that it will not be moving forward on a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) with Ørsted and Eversource for the companies’ joint offshore wind proposal, known as Revolution Wind 2.
The decision comes after a thorough, four-month evaluation of the bid, which was completed in consultation with the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources (OER) and the Division of Public Utilities and Carriers (Division). Rhode Island Energy said the proposal did not meet all the requirements as detailed in the Affordable Clean Energy Security (ACES) Act.
“We recognize some will be disappointed that we didn’t choose to move forward on negotiating this PPA, but that doesn’t mean we are abandoning our commitment to offshore wind in Rhode Island,” said Dave Bonenberger, president of Rhode Island Energy. “In fact, we are already in discussions with state and regional leaders about new opportunities to bring more offshore wind to the state, which we hope to progress in the coming months.”
The joint proposal from Ørsted and Eversource was the only bid received by Rhode Island Energy in response to its Request for Proposals (RFP) that was issued in October 2022. The RFP looked to solicit an additional 600 to 1,000 MW of offshore wind to help meet the state’s clean energy goals.
In the next 60 days, the company will provide a comprehensive filing with the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission detailing its decision.
Over the coming weeks, Rhode Island Energy will continue to work with OER, the Division and stakeholders on additional ways to bring more offshore wind opportunities to the state that could offer more affordable pricing.
In the meantime, the company began transmission line upgrades this spring to support Ørsted and Eversource’s original Revolution Wind project.
