Wind power in Massachusetts

Massachusetts Maritime Academy
wind turbine
IBEW wind turbine along I-93

The U.S. state of Massachusetts has vast wind energy resources offshore, as well as significant resources onshore. The 2016 update to the states's Clean Energy and Climate Plan had a goal of reducing 1990 baseline greenhouse gas emissions levels by 25% by 2020.[1] Current goals include installing 3,500 megawatts (MW) of offshore wind power in the state by 2035.[2] However, as of Q4 2021 the state had only 120 MW of wind powered electricity generating capacity, responsible for generating 0.9% of in-state electricity production. The state has awarded contracts to two offshore projects, the 800 MW Vineyard Wind project and 804 MW Mayflower Wind project.[3] Construction began on the Vineyard Wind 1 project on November 18, 2021, after a long fight for approval.[4] Commonwealth Wind was selected for development in 2021, but the developer has attempted to cancel the project due to increased costs. There are eight projects planned for off the southern coast of Massachusetts, though some will deliver power to Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New York.[5]

  1. ^ eea (2016-01-19). "Massachusetts Clean Energy and Climate Plan for 2020". Energy and Environmental Affairs. Archived from the original on 2017-09-16. Retrieved 2017-10-16.
  2. ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2017-02-15. Retrieved 2017-10-16.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  3. ^ "Massachusetts Wind Energy" (PDF). U.S. Wind Energy State Facts. American Wind Energy Association. Retrieved April 30, 2020.
  4. ^ Frangoul, Anmar (November 19, 2021). "Construction starts at America's first major offshore wind farm". CNBC. Archived from the original on November 28, 2021. Retrieved November 26, 2021.
  5. ^ "Offshore wind farms off Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard: A guide of what to know". Cape Cod Times. Archived from the original on 2023-01-27. Retrieved 2023-01-30.