This week, Governor Raimondo’s administration announced that Rhode Island will pursue a competitive request for proposals (RFP) to procure up to 600 MW of new offshore wind energy. This latest effort is in-line with Governor Raimondo’s Executive Order 20-01, which placed Rhode Island on a path toward meeting 100 percent of its electricity demand with renewable energy resources by 2030.

“In the face of global climate change, Rhode Island must drive toward a cleaner, more affordable and reliable clean energy future,” said Governor Raimondo. “It is critical that we accelerate our adoption of carbon-free resources to power our homes and businesses while creating clean energy jobs. In January, I set a nation-leading goal for Rhode Island to meet 100 percent of its electricity demand with renewables by 2030. Offshore wind will help us achieve that bold, but achievable goal, while creating jobs and cementing our status as a major hub in the nation’s burgeoning offshore wind industry.”

The competitive RFP will be developed by National Grid, with oversight by the state Office of Energy Resources, and is subject to approval by the Public Utilities Commission. As of the second quarter of 2020, Rhode Island counted 933 MW of renewable energy in its portfolio, representing a nine-fold increase since 2016.

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