Iberdrola’s US subsidiary Avangrid and its partner Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) have completed the installation of the first turbine at the Vineyard Wind 1 offshore wind farm offshore Massachusetts, US.
The GE Haliade-X wind turbine, with a power-generating capacity of 13MW, is the largest to have been erected in the western world. A single turbine can power more than 6,000 homes and businesses.
Built with an investment of $2.3bn, Vineyard Wind 1 will be powered by 62 such turbines and generate 806MW.
The clean energy will power 400,000 households in Massachusetts and contribute to 1.6 million tonnes of carbon savings annually.
The wind farm is 15 miles (24km) offshore Martha’s Vineyard. It will save customers $1.4bn over its first 20 years of operations.
Offshore construction on the project began in 2022. The offshore substation was installed in July 2023.
The project will create 3,600 jobs, of which 500 will be in construction.
Avangrid CEO Pedro Azagra stated: “This is a monumental achievement and a proud day for offshore wind in the United States that proves this industry is real and demonstrates Avangrid’s steadfast commitment to helping the north-east region meet its clean energy and climate goals.
“While this is a landmark for this first-in-the-nation project and the industry, we remain focused on the important work ahead to continue the successful installation campaign of these massive turbines and deliver the first power to Massachusetts homes and businesses this year.”
CIP partner and North America head Tim Evans stated: “This complete turbine is a monument to the hard work and belief in our construction and project teams, and countless partners in our neighbouring communities.
“Vineyard Wind is the future of American offshore wind, and it is a future full of clean, sustainable energy and tremendous potential for job creation and reducing carbon pollution. Offshore wind continues to be a cornerstone in our investment strategy, with the US market playing a central role.”
Vineyard Wind 1 is owned by Iberdrola through Avangrid and by CIP, each holding a 50% stake in the project.
