GE Vernova has agreed to pay $10.5 million to Nantucket, Massachusetts, after a broken offshore wind turbine blade from the Vineyard Wind project washed ashore in July last year, prompting public outcry and beach closures.
The settlement aims to compensate the local community and businesses for cleanup expenses, rental income losses, and other disruptions caused by the incident, which involved debris from a turbine operated as part of one of the first large-scale offshore wind farms in the United States.
“The fund will support impacted businesses and help address damage resulting from the blade failure,” the Town of Nantucket said in a statement. The broken blade highlighted operational risks in the offshore wind sector, which has faced increased scrutiny due to rising costs and political opposition, including from the Trump administration.
GE Vernova, the renewable energy division of General Electric, confirmed the settlement agreement and said it is “pleased to have reached a final settlement agreement with the Town of Nantucket to provide compensation for any impacted local businesses.”
The July 2023 incident led to temporary beach closures and environmental concerns in the affluent island community, known for its tourism and pristine coastline. Local officials, while supportive of renewable energy goals, noted that offshore projects must balance environmental benefits with potential coastal impacts.
“Offshore wind may bring benefits, but it also carries risks,” Nantucket Select Board Chair Brooke Mohr said in a statement.
The Vineyard Wind project is located approximately 15 miles south of Nantucket and is jointly owned by Avangrid and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners. It is one of several offshore wind initiatives aimed at accelerating the U.S. transition to renewable energy.
