Supporting & Complementary Assets/Infrastructure

Massachusetts' state investor-owned electric distribution companies in coordination with the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources have issued an RFP for 400 MW of offshore wind generation (including RECs) and the associated transmission. The contracts are for a 15 - 20 year period. The projects must enter commercial operations before January 1, 2027.

The Maryland Offshore Wind Energy Act of 2013 requires a maximum of 2.5% of retail electricity to be generated from offshore wind starting in 2017. The wind carve-out is part of the Tier 1 requirement. The Act promotes Maryland's economy by requiring offshore projects to favor in-state manufacturing in order to be considered by the Maryland Public Service Commission.

Offshore wind energy will play an important role in helping New York State achieve its clean energy goals. To develop this valuable resource responsibly and thoughtfully, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is crafting an Offshore Wind Master Plan to outline the State’s comprehensive offshore wind strategy. NYSERDA is issuing an RFP to establish a pool of qualified contractors to assist with the development of the Offshore Wind Master Plan and associated offshore wind energy activities in New York. Proposals are due by Jan. 12, 2017.

Georgia´s offshore wind resources would be able to provide high value, and high demand energy when it is needed the most: hot summers afternoons. Based on research, Georgia´s Sea Breeze effect is positively correlated with Georgia Power´s hourly electrical demandduring summertime. Therfore, offshore wind energy resources have good coincidence with electrical demand load.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Energy Facilities Siting Board denied a permit extension to Cape Wind Associates for two power lines for its proposed offshore wind farm. The "tentative decision" was based on the improbablity of Cape Wind Associates' ability to start construction by mid-2017.

From the Introduction and Overview: "This report was prepared to make certain that the Commission's offshore wind procurement, evaluation, and selection process (i) is as fair, transparent, and workable as possible, (ii) leads to robust and competitive bids, and (iii) preserves the ratepayer protections defined in the Maryland Offshore Wind Energy Act of 2013."

Appendix U contains a navigational risk assessment of potential risks to navigation safety as a result of the construction, installation, operation, and placement of the Block Island Wind Farm and Block Island Transmission System.