The Massachusetts administration has proposed the procurement of up to 3.6 GW of offshore wind under the state’s fourth solicitation for offshore wind energy projects.
The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) and the electric distribution companies on Tuesday jointly submitted a request for approval of the draft request for proposals to the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities.
If approved, the offshore wind procurement will represent 25% of the state’s annual electricity demand and a large increase over the previous tender, which sought about 1.6 GW, it was noted in an announcement by Massachusetts’ governor Maura Healey.
“This draft RFP is a signal to the rest of the world that Massachusetts is all-in on offshore wind and ready to be the industry’s hub,” the governor stated.
“With this draft RFP, we are requiring projects to include support for environmental justice populations and low-income ratepayers in the Commonwealth, and opportunities for diversity, equity, and inclusion,” commented DOER commissioner Elizabeth Mahony.
The proposed tender also allows for flexibility in proposals to account for challenges posed by inflation and other macroeconomic trends.
Bids would range between 400 MW and 2.4 GW and, under the proposed timeline, would need to be submitted by January 31, 2024.
Source: renewablesnow
