The U.S. Department of the Interior's Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has granted approval for the construction of a 704-megawatt (MW) wind farm off the coast of Rhode Island, marking the fourth significant offshore wind project to receive the agency's endorsement. This action is part of the Biden administration's efforts to achieve a target of bringing 30 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind power online by 2030.

Situated about 15 nautical miles southeast of Point Judith, R.I., the Revolution Wind project is being developed by Eversource and Ørsted. It holds the distinction of being Rhode Island and Connecticut's initial utility-scale offshore wind farm. Once operational, it has the potential to power over 250,000 homes and generate around 1,200 local jobs during the construction phase.

The project encompasses up to 79 potential locations for installing 65 wind turbines and two offshore substations. Upon completion, it will provide 400 MW of offshore wind power to Rhode Island and 304 MW to Connecticut.

David Hardy, Group EVP and CEO Americas at Ørsted, expressed gratitude for the support from the Biden Administration and local partners, emphasizing the advancement of Revolution Wind to the construction phase. He highlighted the creation of job opportunities and the growth of the local supply chain as crucial aspects of the project's development.

Joe Nolan, Chairman, President, and CEO of Eversource Energy, celebrated the milestone achievement and announced that onshore construction for the clean energy project will commence soon. The project is set to generate enough renewable energy to power more than 350,000 homes in Rhode Island and Connecticut.

The issuance of the record of decision (ROD) by BOEM includes a comprehensive array of measures aimed at minimizing and mitigating potential impacts from the project's construction and operation. Revolution Wind has committed to establishing fishery mitigation funds and a direct compensation program for affected fisheries. Measures such as vessel speed restrictions and construction clearance zones have also been pledged to reduce potential impacts on protected species.

Revolution Wind is expected to start onshore construction activities in the near future, with offshore construction picking up momentum in 2024. The project aims to become operational by 2025.

This achievement places Revolution Wind alongside other BOEM-approved offshore wind projects like Vineyard Wind, South Fork Wind, and Ocean Wind 1, representing the burgeoning growth of the offshore wind energy sector in the United States.

BOEM is on track to complete reviews of at least 16 offshore wind project plans by 2025, totaling more than 27 gigawatts of clean energy. The approval underscores the commitment to delivering clean and reliable renewable energy, generating jobs, and addressing the climate crisis.

Secretary Deb Haaland highlighted President Biden's ambitious offshore wind goal and expressed confidence in its realization. She emphasized the cooperative efforts across industries and regions to develop a new offshore wind industry that contributes to the clean energy transition and job creation.