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The Mayflower Wind project will deliver clean energy to homes off the coast of Nantucket, Massachusetts.
The wind farm serves as additional renewable wind energy to the first renewable offshore energy project in Massachusetts–800 MW Vineyard Wind Farm.
As the second offshore wind energy source in the developing wind industry in Massachusetts, this project will help the state become less dependent on natural gas.
In 2020, Massachusetts’ predominant source of electricity at 76% was natural gas. The state sources natural gas via interstate pipelines and LNG import terminals.
The project will also provide renewable power generation options, as wind is currently 1.12% of the electricity mix in Massachusetts.
How much wind power will the Mayflower produce?
The government approved 1,204 MW for the wind farm’s first phase. The second phase also has 1,200 MW so the total is up to 2,400 MW, which can power 800,000 households.
How large is the Mayflower Wind Farm?
The project covers 127,388 acres or 515 square kilometers of offshore wind lease.
What is the economic benefit of the Mayflower Wind?
Mayflower Wind Energy LLC will hire 75% of the local offshore wind workforce. These jobs are permanent and will operate and maintain the farm.
The developer will invest $115 million in South Coast and Upper Cape regions to boost offshore wind supply chain development. These investments will encourage job creation and stimulate the economy. As a nascent industry, these investments affect the whole project–from development to operations.
According to the project website, low-income electric consumers and business customers can save $2 billion in electricity bills throughout the project’s lifetime.
Where is the Mayflower Wind Farm located?
Mayflower Wind Farm in the Atlantic Sea is approximately 30 miles away south of Martha’s Vineyard and 23 miles south of Nantucket Island, Massachusetts.
The first phase will landfall and connect to Brayton Point/Somerset.
The project’s cables will land and connect at Falmouth in the second phase. The wind farm will deliver 1,200 MW to each connection point, for a total of 2,400 MW.
Who owns Mayflower Wind?
Two global energy giants own Mayflower Wind Energy LLC via a joint venture. Shell Renewables and Energy Solutions (formerly Shell New Energies) and OW North America LLC (Ocean Winds) have teamed up to build the wind farm.
Investment in Mayflower wind is part of Shell’s powering progress strategy to accelerate the pivot to renewables. Shell aims to reach its net zero emissions target by 2050. In 2022, Shell installed 290 MW of capacity and 2,196 MW in development. Furthermore, the investment shows that investors expect Shell’s operating plans to shift towards renewables.
Engie and EDP Renewables joined forces in 2019 to form Ocean Winds via a joint venture. Engie and EDP Renewables combined all their offshore wind portfolio globally. Their near-term goal is to expand the company and renewables businesses by reaching 5 to 7 GW capacity by 2025.
Who will produce the turbines for Mayflower wind?
The developer has not yet identified a partner for turbine manufacturing. The project conducts baseline surveys, community outreach, and activities to refine the design and engineering solutions.
How many phases are in the project?
The project has two phases, each with 1,200 MW capacity for a total of 2,400 MW capacity.
The total would be more than twice as much electricity as the first offshore wind farm in Massachusetts, the Vineyard Wind Farm.
When is the first power of the Mayflower Wind?
The first power is expected in the latter half of the decade. The final EIS (Environmental Impact Statement) will only be available by September 2023.