PROVIDENCE — Revolution Wind has installed its first wind turbine off the coast of Rhode Island and Connecticut, a significant step for the project that promises to deliver clean energy to tens of thousands of homes in the region.
A joint project of Danish firm Ørsted and New England utility company Eversource, Revolution Wind is expected to generate 400 megawatts of electricity to Rhode Island and 304 megawatts of power to Connecticut. The project is located about 15 miles south of the Ocean State coast and 32 miles southeast off the shores of Connecticut. When the 65-turbine project received final federal approval in December, it was expected to produce enough power for more than 250,000 homes, according to the federal government.
“Seeing the first turbine rise above the water at Revolution Wind is another unforgettable moment for this new American energy industry we’re building together,” David Hardy, group executive vice president and CEO of Ørsted North America, said in a statement.
The Revolution Wind project is part of an effort in the region to scale up clean energy sources of power. Rhode Island is already home to America’s first offshore wind farm located off of Block Island. For Connecticut, the project will be the state’s first utility level offshore wind energy provider.
Officials said on Tuesday that the project positions their states as leaders of wind energy in the country.
“This is a monumental moment for Revolution Wind, the Northeast region, and Rhode Island,” Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee said in a news release. “The installation of the first turbine speaks to the strong private and public partnership driving the project forward.”
McKee’s counterpart in Connecticut also hailed the progress Revolution Wind has made.
“Revolution Wind is going to have a major impact in the Northeast when it comes to delivering clean energy,” said Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont. “The completion of this first turbine represents a milestone as we work towards decarbonizing our electric grid while also creating new, good-paying jobs in this growing sector for Connecticut residents.”
The project was initially slated to begin operations next year, but last month Ørsted said that it will be delayed.
“Despite encouraging progress on our US offshore wind project Revolution Wind, the construction of the onshore substation for the project has been delayed. This means that we have pushed the commercial operation date from 2025 into 2026,” Mads Nipper, group president and CEO of Ørsted, said in a statement in August.
Omar Mohammed can be reached at omar.mohammed@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter (X) @shurufu.