Iberdrola, through its US subsidiary Avangrid, has been awarded a contract to develop the 791 MW New England Wind 1 offshore wind farm in the United States.
This project will supply energy to 400,000 homes in Massachusetts.
Commercial operation is scheduled for 2029, subject to the signature and approval of a power purchase agreement.
This development is part of a growing trend of investment in energy infrastructure in the United States, particularly in offshore wind power, which is gaining in strategic importance for the diversification of the energy mix.
Economic and industrial impact
The New England Wind 1 wind farm is expected to generate more than 4,400 full-time equivalent jobs and bring $3 billion in local investment, particularly in Salem and New Bedford, Massachusetts, where new port and manufacturing facilities will be established.
These investments underline the growing interest in infrastructure to support the rapidly expanding offshore wind industry.
The project is also expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, in line with US energy objectives.
Synergies with Vineyard Wind 1
New England Wind 1 will be located close to Vineyard Wind 1, currently under construction off Martha’s Vineyard.
The latter is the first large-scale offshore wind project in the United States, with the capacity to supply electricity to 400,000 homes.
Vineyard Wind 1 is also expected to reduce energy costs by $1.4 billion over 20 years and cut carbon emissions by more than 1.6 million metric tons a year, reflecting the economic and environmental potential of renewable energies.
Iberdrola Strategic Deployment
Iberdrola continues to expand its offshore wind portfolio worldwide, in line with its strategy of investing in large-scale projects.
With 2,300 MW of offshore wind capacity already installed by mid-2024, the company is targeting 4,800 MW by 2026.
Recent developments, notably in the UK with ScottishPower and in France with Saint Brieuc, reinforce this ambition.
Geographic and technological diversification enables us to seize market opportunities while adapting to local regulations.
Projects and Opportunities in Europe
In Europe, Iberdrola has won new contracts for projects such as East Anglia Two and East Anglia Three in the UK, capable of supplying over 1,000 MW of energy.
Future developments, such as those in the Baltic waters (Wikinger, Baltic Eagle, Windanker), illustrate the growth prospects in this sector.
The reinforcement of European capacities goes hand in hand with a determination to optimize production costs and integration into national energy markets, thereby supporting the competitiveness of projects.
By strengthening its offshore wind assets, Iberdrola is anticipating regulatory and market developments, while consolidating its position as one of the world’s leading players in the energy sector.
