Offshore Wind in Our Backyard
The offshore wind industry has taken off since Rhode Island became home to the first offshore wind project in the nation with the successful installation of the 30 MW Block Island Wind Farm in 2017. In 2023, Vineyard Wind became the first large-scale offshore wind project to begin construction in the United States, with South Fork Wind also under construction. Revolution Wind, the first commercial-scale offshore wind project to make landfall in Rhode Island, has received approval for construction and operation from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. Located approximately 15 nautical miles offshore southeast of Point Judith, the project will have a generating capacity of approximately 704 megawatts, capable of powering nearly 250,000 homes. With other offshore wind projects in the queue and supporting offshore wind partners setting up shop in Rhode Island, the question is no longer whether the offshore wind industry will come to the region, but rather what does it mean for Rhode Island to be growing it in our backyard.
Rhode Island has continued to take bold steps to address climate change, including by setting some of the most aggressive mandatory greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets in the nation through the 2021 Act on Climate. Offshore wind will play an indispensable role in meeting these targets. Discussions are underway with state and regional leaders about new opportunities to bring more offshore wind energy to Rhode Island.
The fourth annual EBC Rhode Island Offshore Wind Conference will explore what comes next for offshore wind in Rhode Island.
General Continuing Education Certificates are awarded by the EBC for this program (3.0 training contact hours). Certificates are automatically provided via email link for registered attendees at the conclusion of the program.
