Synopsis:
Iberdrola kickstarts Vineyard Wind I, America's biggest offshore wind farm, supplying clean energy to Massachusetts, powering over 400,000 homes. With 806 MW capacity and a $3 billion investment, it's set to curb 1.6 million metric tons of CO₂ annually. Each turbine from this historic project, also a job creator, can sustain 6,000+ homes.
Article:
Iberdrola, a key player in renewable energy, has initiated the Vineyard Wind I offshore wind farm, marking a significant milestone in the U.S. energy landscape. With an impressive capacity of 806 megawatts (MW), this landmark project has commenced delivering sustainable energy to Massachusetts, catering to the power needs of more than 400,000 households – a substantial contribution to reducing carbon footprints in the region.
Scheduled to have five turbines operating at full capacity early this year, the Vineyard Wind I project, backed by a $3 billion investment (approximately 2.7 billion euros), secured contracts with the state's primary electric utilities. Initiated in 2021, the farm's full operation is anticipated in 2024, promising an annual reduction of over 1.6 million metric tons of CO₂ emissions, equivalent to removing 325,000 vehicles from the road.
Manufactured by Asturian firm Windar Renovables, the transition pieces for each turbine hold the capacity to power more than 6,000 homes and businesses. Each turbine, equipped with a tower, three blades, and a nacelle, boasts a remarkable 13 MW rating, making it the largest in the Western world. A single rotation generates enough energy to supply a Massachusetts household for an entire day.
Pedro Azagra, CEO of Avangrid (Iberdrola's U.S. subsidiary), expressed pride in delivering clean offshore wind energy to Massachusetts, marking a pivotal moment for the nation's offshore wind industry. This groundbreaking achievement aligns with the ongoing climate action in the United States, fostering continued support for collaborative efforts in sustainable energy endeavors.
Last October, Avangrid, in collaboration with Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), announced the closure of a $1.2 billion tax equity package, a significant financial milestone for the Vineyard Wind I project, facilitated through three U.S.-based banks.
This extensive project has engaged a large network of suppliers, notably Windar Renovables, employing nearly 400 individuals and investing around 100 million euros in manufacturing foundations for the turbines. The Italian Prysmian Group and U.S.-based Southwire played crucial roles in setting up the submarine and overland cabling systems, respectively.
July 2023 witnessed the completion of the offshore substation, a first-of-its-kind installation by Iberdrola in the United States. Weighing over 5,000 metric tons, it serves as the pivotal point for the Vineyard Wind I project, illustrating Iberdrola's commitment to pioneering offshore wind infrastructure.
In Iberdrola's renewable energy expansion roadmap, offshore wind plays a vital role, with a global portfolio exceeding 30 gigawatts (GW). Spearheading projects in various nations, including the U.S., UK, France, and the Baltic Sea, the company is poised to achieve 3,100 MW in operation by 2025, aligned with its ambitious growth plans.
Conclusion:
Iberdrola's Vineyard Wind I project heralds a new era in the U.S. offshore wind industry, setting benchmarks in clean energy initiatives. This groundbreaking endeavor not only provides sustainable power to Massachusetts but also fosters job creation and substantial reductions in carbon emissions. With a commitment to expanding renewable energy globally, Iberdrola continues to lead the charge towards a cleaner, greener future.
