Statement: Vineyard Wind decision puts U.S. back in the game

The United States offshore wind industry took a monumental step forward following today's announcement from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) on the final environmental impact statement for the Vineyard Wind Project. The decision approves the installation and operation of 84 offshore wind turbines arranged in a north-south and east-west orientation, with a minimum spacing of one nautical mile between them. This decision puts the first U.S. commercial-scale project only a small step away from beginning construction. BOEM’s action also brings a sorely needed regulatory decision for investors and re-positions the U.S. as a player in the trillion-dollar global offshore wind industry.

The Vineyard Wind project is a microcosm of the potential economic boon that offshore wind offers the United States. Full construction and operations are projected to create 3,600 Massachusetts jobs and spur over $200 million in economic activity. In its recent 2021 Market Report, the Business Network for Offshore Wind identified 418 contracts nationwide, including 51 involving the Vineyard Wind project, and $3.6 billion in public and private investments even before a U.S. commercial-size project has begun construction. That number is expected to quickly multiply as newly confident investors begin building the local U.S. supply chain in earnest. 

The below can be attributed to Liz Burdock, president and CEO of the Network:

“This is the day the U.S. offshore wind industry has been anxiously awaiting for years. Today’s announcement provides the regulatory greenlight the industry needs to attract investments and move projects forward. Now, BOEM must continue to consider the unique characteristics of each Wind Energy Area and move the 10 other projects through the permitting process. The U.S. can’t be one and done; otherwise, we cannot compete with the explosive growth currently seen in Asian and European markets. For the U.S. to fully achieve environmental and economic benefits of offshore wind, we must move to localize the supply chain in America and train businesses on industry supply chain needs. Done right, that means new orders for manufacturers, well-paying jobs for welders and engineers, and renewed shipyard activity across the U.S. The Business Network for Offshore Wind is dedicated to developing that supply chain and helping usher in the next great American industry.”