North America continues to make progress in the wind sector as new Massachusetts offshore wind farm is set to start generating power in October 2023. This is a significant step for the US, which currently only accommodates 7 operational offshore wind turbines in total.

The wind farm is expected to generate enough clean energy to support more than 400,000 homes and businesses in Massachusetts, providing over 3,600 job opportunities and eliminating 1.68 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually.

The initial wind power generated is expected to flow onto the regional grid by mid-October and the first-in-the-nation large scale offshore wind project should be fully operational by this time next year, project officials said recently during a boat tour of the construction.

Until recently, project developers proclaimed that the $4 billion project would start to generate energy at the end of 2023. However, the target has now been brought forward to mid-October.

What to expect

The project will initially send power generated by a string of 6 turbines onto the grid, which will total to approximately 78 megawatts. Future plans are in place to build up the energy production to 200 – 300 MW by the end of the year and full commercial operations of 806 MW expected by mid-2024 according to the chief operating officer for the project.

The wind farm will become the nations first commercial-scale offshore wind project, with offshore construction activities currently taking place, setting the foundations for 62 wind turbines located 15 miles from the coast of Martha’s Vineyard.

“One of the takeaways for me is that determination and follow-through is the name of the game. This fight to save the planet and create clean wind is literally the work of our lifetime. But how wonderful it is to realize that you can actually win. All you hear about, and understandably, is how tough the climate problem is. And of course, it’s every bit as tough as people say. Today, we’re gaining ground, we’re pushing back we’re making genuine progress.”  

Senate member and co-chair of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy – Michael J. Barrett 

Playing our part in the North American wind sector

At GEV Wind Power, we are proud to be playing an active role in the development of the wind market across North America.

In recent years, GEV has conducted many work scopes across the US and Canada, including successful campaigns on one of the only active offshore US wind farms currently, located off the coast of Rhode Island.

Whether it be retrofit installations, general maintenance, or blade inspections, GEV Wind Power provides quick and efficient services to clients across North America, reducing down-time and the cost of lost production.

Contact one of our experts today to find out how we can support your next project: https://www.gevwindpower.com/contact-us/

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