Massachusetts could produce more energy from offshore wind than any other state in the US, according to a new report from the Environment Massachusetts Research & Policy Center. Namely, offshore energy can provide 19 times the state’s annual electricity consumption.
The report “Wind Power to Spare: The Enormous Energy Potential of Atlantic Offshore Wind,” said that Massachusetts’ offshore wind potential is equivalent to more than 19 times the state’s annual electricity consumption. If all heating and transportation in Massachusetts were converted from fossil fuels to electric power, offshore wind could still produce eight times as much energy as the Commonwealth consumes each year.
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Currently, 13 leased offshore wind projects are operating in the US, which provide enough electricity to power approximately 5.2 million homes. Advances in technology and low costs, along with concern about the environmental impacts of fossil fuels, have contributed to the recent momentum behind offshore wind.
In August 2016, Governor Charlie Baker signed a legislation, according to which Massachusetts would purchase 1,600 megawatts of offshore wind by 2027, equivalent to approximately 10-15% of Massachusetts’ electricity consumption on an annual basis. Since then, New York has adopted a 2,400-megawatt offshore wind target, and New Jersey has committed to develop 3,500 megawatts of offshore wind by 2030.
Matthew Morrissey, Massachusetts Vice President for Deepwater Wind.
Offshore wind has the potential to power Massachusetts communities for decades to come. We’re ready to get to work to make affordable offshore wind energy a reality for the Commonwealth and to build a new local industry we can all be proud of.
For more information, see the PDF herebelow
