Bill Creates 1,600MW Offshore Wind Procurement
United States’ largest offshore wind bill opens door to commercial offshore wind market
On August 1, the Massachusetts State Legislature voted on and passed Bill H.4568 An Act to Promote Energy Diversity. The bill passed the State House 157-1 and the Senate passed the bill shortly after midnight. It will now go to Governor Charlie Baker for his signature.
This is the first legislation of its kind that includes a specific carve out for offshore wind at a scale necessary to create a viable market in the United States. The bill requires big utilities to buy up to 1,600 megawatts of off-shore wind energy. This bill marks the start of the U.S. Pipeline.
“The adoption of this legislation is a landmark moment for Massachusetts' clean energy future and a victory for the Commonwealth's residents and businesses,” according to Thomas Brostrøm, General Manager of North America, DONG Energy Wind Power. “This bill will allow the creation of a viable offshore wind energy industry here in Massachusetts, delivering cost effective clean energy, helping the state reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
Dong Energy issued a statement that said this Bill opens the door to U.S. commercial offshore wind market.
