The SouthCoast Wind 1 offshore wind farm project, developed by Ocean Winds, has gained approval from the US state of Massachusetts for the construction and operation of onshore transmission facilities at Brayton Point in Somerset.

The permit to construct and operate the facilities has been given by Massachusetts’ Energy Facilities Siting Board, while the state’s Department of Environmental Protection has granted a Ch 91 Waterways licence for the project’s nearshore equipment and work.

The Office of Coastal Zone Management has approved the wind project’s federal consistency review.

These approvals will keep SouthCoast Wind 1 on schedule to supply clean offshore wind energy to New England’s regional electric grid by 2030.

SouthCoast Wind and Ocean Winds North America head of permitting Jennifer Flood stated: “These important permitting milestones bring our project closer to construction. We are grateful to the Commonwealth’s thorough review and look forward to providing clean power, good jobs and economic growth to the region.”

The proposed cable route traverses federal and state waters and the Sakonnet River in Rhode Island, then enters Mt Hope Bay, culminating at Brayton Point.

Construction will begin in late 2025, contingent on federal, state and local permits and a final investment decision.

The SouthCoast Wind project is one of the largest energy investments in southern New England, converting Brayton Point from a former coal-fired power plant into a clean energy hub.

The project is located in the lease area, 48km south of Martha’s Vineyard and 32km south of Nantucket Island, Massachusetts.

SouthCoast Wind I will provide 1.08GW of wind energy to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and 200MW to Rhode Island.

Brayton Point is also being considered for the connection of a second 1.2GW of power in the lease area.