ARKANSAS, Oct 6 (Future Headlines)- Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut have taken a significant step in the advancement of renewable energy by jointly announcing the first offshore wind multi-state coordination memorandum of understanding (MOU) in New England. This MOU represents a pioneering effort in the United States to coordinate offshore wind procurement across state boundaries.

The primary goal of this multi-state MOU is to pave the way for a coordinated selection of offshore wind projects as each of the three states launches its respective offshore wind energy generation procurement efforts. By working together, these states aim to achieve several important objectives.

The states seek to expand the benefits of offshore wind development for the entire New England region. Cooperation in the offshore wind sector could lead to cost reductions, greater economies of scale, and more viable projects that enhance energy security for the entire area. Through this coordination, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut aim to promote regional economic development. This includes the creation of high-paying jobs, particularly in the renewable energy sector, which can contribute to economic growth.

The MOU emphasizes the importance of environmental justice and equity in offshore wind development. It seeks to ensure that all communities benefit from these projects and that the industry mitigates any negative environmental impacts. By aligning their efforts, the states hope to foster a more efficient offshore wind procurement process and take advantage of the benefits that come with developing projects at scale.

As part of the coordination outlined in the MOU, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut will issue joint solicitations for multi-state offshore wind project proposals. These solicitations are collectively seeking up to 6,000 megawatts (MW) of offshore wind capacity.

Developers in the offshore wind sector are invited to submit proposals for multi-state projects that could be selected by any of the participating states during their individual procurement processes. This collaborative approach allows for greater flexibility and the potential to share the benefits of these projects across multiple states.

The final selection of projects will depend on each state’s assessment of the proposals’ costs and benefits to ratepayers, among other evaluation criteria specified in the requests for proposals.

Pedro Azagra, the CEO of Avangrid, Inc., expressed strong support for this regional offshore wind procurement initiative. He noted that this strategy aligns with the urgency of addressing climate change and offers offshore wind developers an opportunity to leverage economies of scale, resulting in more competitive bids and increased investments in local development and job creation.

The offshore wind industry has recently faced challenges and uncertainties. Some power purchase agreements (PPAs) have ended prematurely, and developers, as well as utilities, have backed out of projects. This situation has raised questions about the economic viability of offshore wind projects.

For example, Rhode Island Energy terminated its PPA with Ørsted and Eversource for the Revolution Wind 2 offshore project due to higher interest rates, increased expenses, and concerns about federal tax credits. Avangrid also withdrew from a PPA for the Commonwealth Wind project, citing reasons that included financial considerations.

Despite these challenges, the regional collaboration among Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut signals a commitment to advancing the offshore wind sector and working together to overcome obstacles.

The multi-state offshore wind coordination MOU represents a positive step toward advancing renewable energy in New England. By joining forces, these states aim to harness the potential of offshore wind while maximizing economic, environmental, and societal benefits.

This collaboration could serve as a model for other regions in the United States seeking to accelerate their transition to cleaner energy sources and strengthen their position in the renewable energy sector. The success of this initiative could have far-reaching implications for the future of offshore wind development in the country.

Reporting by Kevin Wood; Editing by Sarah White