Massachusetts Offshore Wind Delayed Bids And Broken Blades

DELAYED CONTRACTS

In October of 2023, Massachusetts announced that leaders in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut struck a deal to solicit offshore wind power together in a multistate procurement.

The Massachusetts and multistate bids were due January 31, 2024, and the project selection was due June 12, 2024—the long-term contracts by August 14 and MassDPU approval by September 18.

In January 2024 Massachusetts delayed by 60 days the submission of offshore wind bids until March 27, 2024.

The contracts were supposed to be selected by August 7, 2024, with long-term contracts due October 7 and MassDPU approval by November 13, 2024.

On August 6, 2024, the state of Massachusetts and electric distribution companies announced yet another extension of the due date for the announcement of awards to September 6, 2024.

Multiple delays have now pushed approval to November 8, 2024, and MassDPU approval to December 18, 2024

BLADE DAMAGE

In the last six months, the Nantucket offshore wind company has had a blade failure off Nantucket and two failures in Europe. 48 ocean turbines were installed with a failure rate of over 6 percent in only 6 months.

The offshore wind debris has been found from Massachusetts to Long Island, New York beaches.

The damage to the Fishing industry from wind turbine microplastic affecting the environment will take a toll.

MASSACHUSETTS WIND LEGISLATION

Local Massachusetts state senators and representatives could vote for a climate bill to benefit offshore wind companies.

The bill would eliminate the separate permitting now done by local communities.

The bill will eliminate the home rule granted to cities and towns in 1966 bypassing local zoning regulations for health and safety.

#Note Call your state and local representatives