Connecticut
In June 2019, Governor Lamont signed legislation that authorized the development of offshore wind in Connecticut which would contribute to its goal of achieving net-zero carbon electricity by 2040. Major actions include significant public-private investment in ports and workforce development, the Commission on Environmental Standards advising on offshore wind development within the state, and a commitment to purchase 2,300 MW of offshore wind.
What is going on in CT?
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IRP
In 2022, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) released the final draft of the 2020 Integrated Resources Planning (IRP) document.
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State Pier
The Connecticut Port Authority is transforming the State Pier in New London into a state-of-the-art heavy-lift capable port facility that will accommodate a wide variety of cargoes, including wind turbine generator staging and assembly, while maintaining its freight rail link. Construction is expected to be completed by 2023.
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Barnum Landing
Avengrid Renewables is redeveloping an 18.3-acre waterfront industrial property in Bridgeport known as Barnum Landing that will host a steel fabrication and final outfitting workforce. Bridgeport will be home to Park City Wind’s operations and maintenance hub for the 25+ years of the project.
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New Haven Harbor Navigation Project
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is undergoing a $63 million deepening and widening effort in the New Haven Harbor that will create deeper and wider channels to increase the navigation efficiency and safety of the harbor. This project will dredge the main ship channel, maneuvering area, and turning basin to -40 feet mean lower low water and widen the main channel and turning basin to allow large offshore wind vessels to efficiently access the Port of New Haven’s terminals.
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Connecticut Initiative on Environmental Research of Offshore Wind (CIEROW)
Part of the University of Connecticut’s Department of Marine Sciences, the CIEROW program is conducting research and comparisons of existing research at identified offshore wind energy sites (both currently in-development and sites being investigated for future development). These studies focus on the physical, chemical, and biological components of the marine environment.
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Offshore Wind Energy and Grid Integration
A partnership between Eversource and the University of Connecticut, the Eversource Energy Center is conducting research to enable cost-effective, environmentally-friendly, reliable, and resilient grid operation that is ready for the states offshore wind procurement goals.
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Offshore Wind Projects
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OCS-A 0486
Location: more than 15 miles south of RI coast, 32 miles southwest of CT
Area (acres): 82,732
Receiving state: CT and RI
MW: 704 MW (400 MW to RI, 304 MW to CT)
Expected operation date: 2025
Number of turbines: <= 100
Developer: Orsted and Eversource
Number of homes powered: 246,400
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OCS-A 0534
This project is being done in two phases. Phase 1 is Park City Wind and will be closes to Vineyard Wind 1. Phase 2 is Commonwealth Wind.
Location: 20 miles from Martha's Vineyard, 24 miles from Nantucket
Area (acres): 101,590
Receiving state: Park City Wind to CT, Commonwealth Wind to MA
MW: Park City Wind is 804 MW, Commonwealth Wind is 1200-1500 MW in COP, 1232 MW in MA agreement
Estimated date of operation: 2025
Number of turbines: <=130
Developer: Avengrid Renewables
Resources