The United States Department of the Interior (DOI) has officially approved SouthCoast Wind, the nation’s 11th commercial-scale offshore wind project. Formerly known as Mayflower Wind, this project marks another step toward achieving the country’s renewable energy goals.
With this approval, the DOI has surpassed 19GW of approved offshore wind energy capacity, enough to power more than 6 million homes.
Located approximately 48 km south of Martha’s Vineyard and 37 km south of Nantucket, SouthCoast Wind will cover an area of around 515 sq km. Once operational, it is expected to generate up to 2.4GW of clean energy, enough to supply power to 840,000 homes in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
The project involves constructing up to:
- 141 wind turbine generators,
- Up to five offshore substation platforms at 143 potential positions,
- Eight offshore export cables, which may connect onshore at Brayton Point or Falmouth, Massachusetts.
As part of the final approval, up to six wind turbine positions were removed in the northeastern portion of the lease area. This adjustment aims to minimize the project’s impact on wildlife habitats near the Nantucket Shoals and reduce potential disruption to foraging species.
The SouthCoast Wind Project is being developed by Ocean Winds, a 50-50 joint venture between EDP Renewables and Engie.
This approval highlights the U.S.’s growing commitment to renewable energy, paving the way for sustainable power solutions.