Rhode Island Energy announced that it is issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit an additional 600 to 1,000 MW of offshore wind to help power the state's energy needs.
Adding to the nation's first offshore wind farm that sits in waters off Block Island and the proposed Revolution Wind project, this additional procurement could help meet over 70% of the state's estimated 2030 electricity demand with carbon-free energy. The new procurement alone has the potential to power about 700,000 homes each year.
"We promised that we would lead when it came to helping Rhode Island meet its clean energy goals, and achieving this latest milestone is proof of our commitment," said Dave Bonenberger, president of Rhode Island Energy. "This procurement is critical to meeting the state's 100% renewable generation goal by the 2033 target and accelerating growth in the local clean energy economy."
On Sept. 6, Rhode Island Energy filed a draft RFP with the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission (RIPUC), allowing for 30 days of public comment. The final RFP, which will be available for review at www.ricleanenergyrfp.com, takes into consideration many of the comments offered by various stakeholders. As part of the solicitation, required under the state's Affordable Clean Energy Act, Rhode Island Energy is seeking bids from potential developers to enter into long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) for energy from newly developed offshore wind projects. Any potential long-term contract durations would be between 15 and 20 years.
"While this is just the start in securing more of Rhode Island's clean energy future, it is another significant step forward. I want to thank the Office of Energy Resources, the Division of Public Utilities and Carriers, and our valued stakeholders for their engagement in this process, and our team at Rhode Island Energy for all their work in getting us here," Bonenberger added.
As outlined in the RFP, responding bids will be received through Feb. 1, 2023, with any winning bidder(s) announced in early August 2023. Any PPAs agreed to by Rhode Island Energy will be subject to review and approval by the RIPUC. The goal would be to have any winning project(s) operational to support the state's achievement of its 100% renewable target by 2033.
