Ocean Winds, a 50-50 joint venture owned by EDP Renewables and ENGIE, has been selected to negotiate contracts to supply to provide 1,087 MW of offshore wind power to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and 200 MW to the State of Rhode Island for its SouthCoast Wind Project, which is expected to begin construction by the end of 2025. 

According to a statement from Ocean Winds, SouthCoast Wind plans to install its turbines at the New Bedford Marine Commerce Terminal (MA), with its operations and maintenance port located at Foss Terminal in New Bedford, (MA). Additionally, it will open an administrative and crew transfer center in Rhode Island. The project aims to supply clean energy to the regional power grid by 2030. 

The construction will commence once all federal, state, and local permits are obtained and pending the final investment decision. SouthCoast Wind will now continue its contract negotiations with Massachusetts’ and Rhode Island’s largest electric utilities. Additionally, progress is expected on the project's Final Environmental Impact Statement by BOEM. 

This project received the green light following a rigorous selection process led by the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources and Rhode Island Energy. 

“Today marks a pivotal moment for New England’s energy future, one where offshore wind will help meet Massachusetts’ and Rhode Island’s ambitious climate goals and the increasing demand for electricity. It is also an important milestone for Ocean Winds as we continue to strengthen our activities in the United States”, said Craig Windram, CEO for Ocean Winds. 

SouthCoast Wind’s bid includes numerous commitments and investments with partners and the community, featuring $93 million allocated to initiatives such as local workforce development, fisheries and marine science research, environmental justice, and ratepayer support.  

SouthCoast Wind’s project represents one of the largest ever energy investments in southern New England and will revitalize Brayton Point, a former coal-fired power plant, as a clean energy hub, drive innovation and investment in local supply chains and provide decades of revenue stability and job creation across the region. 

Last year, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut announced New England’s first offshore wind multi-state memorandum of understanding, which created a pathway for a coordinated selection of offshore wind energy.