Avangrid has secured federal approval for the construction and operations plan for its New England Wind 1 and 2 offshore projects in the US.
The approval follows the favourable record of decision issued by the US national administration in April 2024 and largely completes the necessary permitting process.
This marks a significant step towards the realisation of the 791MW New England Wind 1 project, which will deliver clean energy to 64,000 homes and businesses in Massachusetts.
Avangrid, part of the Iberdrola Group, has not disclosed specific investment details for the projects.
The New England Wind 1 and 2 projects will create thousands of jobs and supply clean energy to one million homes and businesses.
On 27 March 2024, Avangrid submitted proposals for the New England Wind projects to a multi-state procurement initiative, with project selections to be announced in August 2024.
New England Wind 1 is the sole project in the solicitation that possesses all federal, state and local permits. It will begin construction in 2025 and power delivery by 2029.
The company anticipates a final letter of authorisation from the National Marine Fisheries Service by 22 July 2024.
Located 30 miles south of Barnstable, Massachusetts, New England Wind 1 is strategically positioned next to the Vineyard Wind 1 project and will significantly reduce carbon emissions.
Avangrid has established agreements to supply offshore wind energy to the city of Boston and 20 municipal electric companies in Massachusetts.
These initiatives will cut carbon dioxide emissions by four million US tons annually, equivalent to removing 700,000 cars from the roads each year.
The combined impact of the New England Wind projects includes the creation of 9,200 full-time equivalent jobs and an $8bn direct investment in the region.
Avangrid has initiated the production of 10 GE Haliade-X turbines for the Vineyard Wind farm, which will power 400,000 homes and businesses and contribute to significant carbon emission reductions.
Avangrid CEO Pedro Azagra stated: “Completing the federal permitting programme for New England Wind is a remarkable achievement made possible by the diligence of our team, the engagement of our stakeholders, and the thorough and rigorous review from our federal partners,”
“Building offshore wind infrastructure is a complex and unique endeavor, and rightly held to a high regulatory standard. The approval of our COP reflects the depth of our expertise, our exhaustive and detailed planning and our ability to deliver these critical projects.
“By securing all federal, state, regional and local permits, New England Wind 1 has the potential to put shovels in the ground next year and deliver thousands of jobs, local investment and clean energy before the end of the decade.”
