Rhode Island Energy, Rhode Island’s leading energy utility, is set to issue a new request for proposals (RfP) in October to solicit 1,200 MW of offshore wind, governor Dan McKee announced on Thursday.
The governor emphasised the key role of offshore wind in advancing Rhode Island’s renewable energy goals and said it’s important to continue to push for new opportunities to expand offshore wind generation in the state.
Rhode Island Energy in July turned down the only bid it received in response to its RfP seeking 600 MW to 1,000 MW of offshore wind, due to affordability concerns.
The utility’s president Dave Bonenberger yesterday said the company looks forward to seeing how offshore wind developers can balance Rhode Island’s’s climate targets with affordability and wider economic benefits for the state.
The plans are that the RfP is released in October, with proposals due in early 2024 and a potential selection in the summer of 2024.
According to the announcement, the new RfP will be issued to coincide with offshore wind RfP procurement efforts in Massachusetts and Connecticut, encouraging economies of scale across southern New England.
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