AVANGRID has been issued the final environmental impact statement (FEIS) for the 800MW Vineyard Wind 1 project from the US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM).

The FEIS marks the final step prior to a record of decision (ROD) from the federal agency for the proposed Vineyard offshore wind farm in Massachusetts.

The ROD is now the last approval needed for starting construction on the project. It is expected to be issued after 30 days from the issuance of the FEIS.

Vineyard Wind 1 is being developed by Vineyard Wind, a joint venture between AVANGRID’s subsidiary Avangrid Renewables and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP).

Dennis Arriola – AVANGRID CEO said: “We are one step closer toward realizing this historic clean energy project and delivering cost-effective clean energy, thousands of jobs and more than a billion dollars in economic benefits to Massachusetts.

“BOEM’s thorough review of Vineyard Wind 1 ensures that both the project and the offshore wind industry are well-positioned for long-term success.”

The proposed wind farm will be built nearly 12 nautical miles off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard and 12 nautical miles off the Nantucket coast in the northern part of Vineyard Wind’s lease area.

According to the US Department of the Interior (DOI), if approved, Vineyard Wind 1 will become the first commercial scale offshore wind project in the US.

Amanda Lefton – BOEM Director said: “Offshore energy development provides an opportunity for us to work with Tribal nations, communities, and other ocean users to ensure all decisions are transparent and utilize the best available science.

“We appreciate everyone’s participation in the process and look forward to continuing to work with stakeholders on the future analysis of offshore wind projects.”

The Vineyard Wind 1 offshore wind project is expected to offer considerable benefits to Massachusetts by powering over 400,000 homes with clean electricity, generating thousands of jobs, and decreasing electricity rates by $1.4 billion during the first 20 years of operation.

The offshore wind farm in Massachusetts is also estimated to cut down carbon dioxide emissions by 1.68 million metric tons per year.

The Vineyard Wind 1 project has all relevant permits needed by Massachusetts and regional and local bodies in place.

AVANGRID, which is taking up the project in consortium with Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, expects to reach financial close in the latter half of this year with a target to begin operations in 2023.

  Amanda Lefton, Avangrid, Avangrid Renewables, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, Dennis Arriola, Massachusetts, US Department of the Interior, USA, Vineyard Wind, Wind industry news