The US Department of the Interior (DOI) has recently approved the SouthCoast Wind Project, marking the 11th commercial-scale offshore wind initiative in the country. This project, previously known as Mayflower Wind, is set to generate up to 2.4GW of offshore wind energy, enough to power over 840,000 homes in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
Covering approximately 515 square kilometers, the project is located 48 km south of Martha's Vineyard and 37 km south of Nantucket. It involves the construction of up to 141 wind turbine generators, five offshore substation platforms, and eight offshore export cables, potentially making landfall in Brayton Point or Falmouth, Massachusetts.
Notably, the selected project alternative eliminates up to six turbine positions in the northeastern section of the lease area to mitigate impacts on local wildlife habitats adjacent to Nantucket Shoals. Developed by Ocean Winds, a joint venture between EDP Renewables and Engie, this project is a significant step in advancing offshore renewable energy.