Vineyard Wind 1, the first large-scale offshore wind project in the United States, recently reached another major milestone with the commissioning of 10 wind turbines, generating over 136 MW of electricity. Located off Martha’s Vineyard, this project, the fruit of collaboration between Avangrid, Inc. recently partly acquired by Iberdrola, and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), now supplies 64,000 homes and businesses in Massachusetts.
Project background and development
Launched in 2022, Vineyard Wind 1 has progressed rapidly, with 47 foundations installed and 21 turbines commissioned, 10 of which are currently operational. When fully completed, the project will comprise 62 turbines, generating 806 MW of electricity. This development positions Vineyard Wind 1 as a key player in the region’s energy production, supporting Massachusetts’ energy goals.
Pedro Azagra, CEO of Avangrid, emphasizes that this project demonstrates the competitive advantages of offshore wind for New England, providing local jobs and investment while increasing regional energy capacity.
Economic and environmental impact
The project interconnects its power to the New England grid via underground cables, leading to a substation further inland on Cape Cod. By February 2024, Vineyard Wind had already begun supplying 68 MW of electricity to the grid, and this figure is set to rise as more turbines are commissioned.
The economic benefits are clear: in 2018, a study by ISO New England found that 800 MW of offshore wind could have saved up to $45 million during a two-week cold snap. This shows the potential for reducing costs for consumers by integrating more wind power into the regional energy mix.
Local commitments and sustainable development
Vineyard Wind has been committed from the outset to building and supporting a local, highly skilled and diverse workforce. The project, which signed the first Project Labor Agreement (PLA) for an offshore wind project in the USA, has already created 937 union jobs, well beyond its initial commitment of 500.
The investment in this project goes beyond simple energy production. They also include substantial financial commitments to training and skills development for local workers, reinforcing New England’s position as a hub for renewable energy.
Once fully operational, Vineyard Wind 1 will generate 806 MW, providing electricity to 400,000 homes and businesses in Massachusetts. This increase in energy capacity will help stabilize electricity prices and secure the region’s energy supply.
