Offshore Wind: Revolution Wind Project Begins Full Operation

The Revolution Wind offshore renewable energy project is now fully operational off the coast of Rhode Island, ending a period of interruptions caused by pushback from the Trump administration. The facility is currently powering homes in both Rhode Island and Connecticut.

Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont announced the milestone in a press release, stating that the project is a welcome addition to the state's energy mix. Lamont said the facility will lower utility costs, improve grid reliability, and provide clean electricity for 350,000 homes.

The project contributed to a record for wind energy production in New England this fall. ISO New England reported that offshore and land-based wind farms generated more electricity than all gas and hydropower plants in New Hampshire combined. The Concord Monitor reported that Revolution Wind and the Vineyard Wind project drove a surge of more than 2,000 megawatts in September.

Eversource and United Illuminating are the utilities purchasing power from the facility. Tricia Taskey Modifica, a spokesperson for Eversource, said the new generation is needed as customer demand rises.

State Senator Norm Needleman, an Essex Democrat who co-chairs the state Energy Committee, described the launch as overdue. He said the project finally came to fruition after federal interruptions and unreasonable assaults. Needleman argued that the stable, carbon-free output will help counter gas shortages and grid unreliability during winter months, avoiding the price volatility of oil, gas, and coal.

Chris Phelps, state director for Environment Connecticut, said the project provides a large, reliable source of clean generation for the New England grid. Phelps noted that this reduces the region's need for polluting power plants that contribute to climate change and poor air quality.