The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), a key arm of the Department of Interior (DOI), has granted approval for the Construction and Operations Plan (COP) of the 704-MW Revolution Wind Farm project, situated off the coasts of Rhode Island and Connecticut. The project, a collaborative effort between Denmark's Ørsted A/S and U.S. utility Eversource Energy, reached this milestone after securing a favorable Record of Decision and concluding comprehensive environmental review procedures.
The approved COP marks the final regulatory step, allowing the developers to progress to the offshore construction phase. Revolution Wind, positioned approximately 15 nautical miles southeast of Point Judith, Rhode Island, aims to supply 304 MW to Connecticut and 400 MW to Rhode Island. The anticipated total output is expected to meet the energy demands of over 350,000 homes in the two states, contributing significantly to their respective climate goals.
Onshore construction activities have already commenced, with offshore construction and installation slated to begin in the coming year. The commissioning of the wind farm, featuring 65 Siemens Gamesa turbines, is scheduled for 2025.
However, BOEM's green light has not been without controversy. The final approval has triggered public outcry and prompted an appeal by the Preservation Society of Newport County. The appeal, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, alleges that BOEM failed to comply with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act and the National Historic Preservation Act. The Preservation Society asserts that the agency has not adequately addressed adverse effects on historic properties.
This legal challenge is part of a broader campaign, extending to the approval of the 132-MW South Fork offshore wind park off New York. Critics claim that the permit for the South Fork project contains legal errors, sparking a multifaceted debate over the balance between renewable energy goals and environmental preservation.
