Connecticut today selected Deepwater Wind’s Revolution Wind proposal for development as part of an approximately 250-MW round of renewable energy projects.

The Revolution Wind project represents the state’s first procurement of offshore wind energy.

Deepwater last month was named the winning bidder in a competitive offshore wind procurement process between Rhode Island and Massachusetts, in which it was selected to construct 400-MW of the Revolution Wind project. Connecticut approved a 200-MW segment of the same project. The 200 MW is incremental to the 400 MW that was previously selected.

“Governor Malloy is setting the course for Connecticut’s clean energy future,” Jeffery Grybowski, CEO Deepwater Wind, said in a statement released by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). “We’re proud to partner with Connecticut to help the state achieve its bold renewable energy goals. Our Revolution Wind project will bring hundreds of new direct jobs to Connecticut and deliver affordable, homegrown energy to ratepayers.”

According to DEEP, Deepwater made specific commitments around job development and use of the Port of New London, including, among other things:

At least $15 million investment in the New London State Pier to allow substantial aspects of the project to be constructed in New London

Significant portions of construction and/or assembly will occur in New London, including foundation components and the offshore substation

Contracting with a Connecticut-based boat builder to construct one of the project’s crew transfer vessels in Connecticut

Entering into a host-community agreement with the City of New London to support offshore wind and economic development

Providing local businesses with opportunities to participate in the development process that will include local content targets

At the end of May, Connecticut announced it will invest $15 million to update the port in New London. The funds will be used for demolition of selected structures, site improvements, storm water treatment and drainage improvements, upgrades to increase laydown capabilities, construction of a heavy lift pad, improvements to load bearing capacity, and replacement of mooring dolphins.

Offshore wind developer Vineyard Wind had submitted a bid to Connecticut to build an offshore wind project.

In a statement about the award, Lars Thaaning Pedersen, CEO of Vineyard Wind, said: “While we appreciated the opportunity to offer clean energy resources to the Nutmeg State, we will continue to move forward with development of the nation’s first large-scale offshore wind project in Massachusetts, with construction starting in 2019 and full operations during 2021. We also will continue to develop the remainder of our commercial lease site with the goal of providing New England states with additional wind energy solutions in the near future.”

Vineyard Wind in May won a competitive bid in Massachusetts with a 800-MW offshore wind proposal that includes a generator lead line.

DEEP also selected four fuel cell projects and an anaerobic digestion project as part of the renewable energy round.

Lead image credit: Deepwater Wind | Twitter