FEDS OK OCEAN ENERGY INTERCONNECT

BOEM Moves R.I. Offshore Wind Transmission Project Forward

10 August 2012 (Renew Grid)

“The U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has issued a decision of no competitive interest for the construction of a transmission system between the Rhode Island coastline and Block Island - an important step in evaluating the transmission project proposed by Deepwater Wind that would deliver power from its proposed five-turbine, 30 MW Block Island Wind Farm.

“BOEM received an application from Deepwater Wind requesting a right-of-way grant for an eight-nautical-mile-long, 200-foot-wide corridor in federal waters on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) to connect the proposed offshore wind farm - to be located in Rhode Island state waters approximately 2.5 nautical miles southeast of Block Island - to the Rhode Island mainland.”

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“The proposed offshore transmission connection would also transmit power from the existing onshore transmission grid to Block Island. Deepwater Wind estimates that the proposed wind farm will generate over 100 GWh annually, supplying the majority of Block Island’s electricity needs…

“Before reviewing the OCS right-of-way application, BOEM had to determine whether there were other developers interested in constructing transmission facilities in the same area…[It] also solicited public comment on site conditions and multiple uses within the right-of-way grant area…[BOEM will now lead a study of] potential environmental effects of the project under the National Environmental Policy Act…”

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