Rhode Island Utility Seeks Up to 1,000 MW of Offshore Wind Capacity

by Paul Ciampoli
APPA News Director
October 18, 2022

Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee on Oct. 14 announced a request for proposals has been released by Rhode Island Energy for up to 1,000 megawatts of new offshore wind capacity.

In July, McKee signed into law legislation that seeks to expand Rhode Island’s offshore wind energy resources. The new law requires a market-competitive procurement for between 600 and 1,000 megawatts of newly developed offshore wind capacity. 

This offshore wind procurement will have the potential to meet at least 30 percent of Rhode Island’s estimated 2030 electricity demand.

When added to the 30-megawatt Block Island Offshore Wind Farm and the planned 400-megawatt Revolution Offshore Wind project, about half of the state’s project energy needs will be powered by offshore wind.

The offshore wind procurement RFP will be posted at the following website: https://ricleanenergyrfp.com/. 

Offshore wind project proposals by bidders will be due to Rhode Island Energy on February 1, 2023.