Offshore Wind Power

In January 2015, Vineyard Power Coop formally partnered with Vineyard Wind through the first Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) signed in the United States. This partnership between Vineyard Power and Vineyard Wind ensures that the benefits of offshore wind remain within our local island community.

On January 29, 2015, Vineyard Wind won the rights to develop renewable energy projects in federal lease area 501 through a competitive auction held by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM). The lease area consists of 166,886 acres of submerged land on the outer continental shelf (OCS) off the southern coast of Massachusetts. Two Vineyard Wind projects are currently underway in lease area 501: Vineyard Wind 1 and Park City Wind. Vineyard Power is working closely with Vineyard Wind and local, state, and federal agencies to maximize local community benefits, participation, and engagement. 

History of VP and Offshore wind

2009: Founding of Vineyard Power

Since its founding, Vineyard Power has sought to provide a renewable energy future that brings valuable work and enterprise to our island community through the development of offshore wind.

Dec. 2010 - Dec. 2014: Site Assessment

The Department of Interior's Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) completes site assessment activities for offshore wind farm development approximately 14 miles off of Martha's Vineyard southern coast. BOEM engages stakeholders and the public through this process to define the potential lease zones for offshore wind farm development. BOEM also completes an environmental assessment on proposed area relating to impacts from future site assessment activity.
Along with members of our Renewable Energy Task Force and local and state politicians, Vineyard Power requested to BOEM that communities most impacted by offshore wind farm development receive direct benefits from these projects.

Jan. 29, 2015: Lease Sale

BOEM held a competitive lease sale (auction) for wind energy areas offshore MA. Leases were executed on April 1, 2015. Prior to lease sale, Vineyard Power and Vineyard Wind sign the first Community Benefit Agreement in the history of the US offshore wind industry.
Offshore wind resources are steadier and stronger than the wind we experience on land due to less turbulence and friction. As an island off the coast of Massachusetts, Martha’s Vineyard is uniquely situated to benefit from offshore wind. All open water to the east, southeast, and south of the Vineyard is classified as “Excellent” or “Outstanding” for this resource by the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL).

2015 - 2020: Surveys & Permitting

Each lessee submits a Site Assessment Plan (SAP) for specific lease site and submits a Construction and Operations Plan (COP) to be reviewed and approved by BOEM ahead of construction. Lessee's will also be required to complete an Environmental Impact Statement on their site.

2021 - 2023: Construction of the Wind Farm

2023: Wind Farm Begins Operation

Vineyard Power is working on benefits from this farm, including local jobs, control, and stable electricity prices. We are excited to develop this resource and keep its benefits local!

Projects

Vineyard Wind 1

Located in lease area 501 north, approximately 14 miles south of Martha’s Vineyard, Vineyard Wind 1 will be the largest offshore wind farm to date in the United States. The proposed project will yield an output of 800 MW. Once completed, Vineyard Wind 1 will provide clean, sustainable energy to over 400,000 homes and businesses in Massachusetts at a competitive price. Completion of Vineyard Wind 1 is expected in 2023.  

Benefits

• Clean Energy: The transition to clean energy enables our region to greatly reduce its carbon footprint. Vineyard Wind 1 will effectively eliminate 1.6 million metric tons of carbon emissions every year. 

• Cost Effective: Wind energy offers a stable alternative to fossil fuel, increasing competition in energy markets and ultimately driving down costs for the consumer. Offshore wind is reliable and renewable. Therefore, the cost of offshore wind energy will remain at a fixed low price. Resultantly, the project will produce $1.4 billion in savings statewide.

• Job Creation: The Vineyard Wind Project, in conjunction with multiple proposed wind projects along the southern coast of Massachusetts, will generate thousands of jobs through the development, maintenance, and operation phases over the next 25-30 years.

  • Local job training: Vineyard Power in partnership with ACE MV and Bristol Community College are providing the education islanders need to become the next generation of offshore wind technicians and project managers.

• Resiliency and Affordability Fund: In 2019, Vineyard Wind partnered with Citizens Energy & Vineyard Power to establish the Resiliency and Affordability Fund, a $1 million annual contribution over 15 years in an effort to develop battery storage and solar projects locally on Martha’s Vineyard and the Cape. Find out more about the Resiliency and Affordability Fund on the Vineyard Wind website. 

• Offshore Wind Accelerator: As an unprecedented undertaking, the Vineyard Wind Project is a pioneer in the offshore industry, paving the way for future wind developments in Massachusetts and across the nation. Click here to learn how Vineyard Wind is pushing the agenda of offshore wind in Massachusetts. 

Park City Wind

In 2019, Vineyard Wind secured the rights to develop another offshore wind project, Park City Wind, in lease area 501. This 804 MW project will generate enough power to meet the demand of over 400,000 homes, produce $890 million in economic benefits, and create thousands of jobs regionally.