Rhode Island Activities

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Rhode Island-Massachusetts Wind Energy Area Leases

What’s New? 

On March 26, 2024, the Department of the Interior announced the approval of the Sunrise Wind offshore wind project. The Sunrise Wind project will have a total capacity of 924-megawatt (MW) of clean, renewable energy that the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) estimates could power more than 320,000 homes per year. The lease area is located approximately 16.4 nautical miles (nm) south of Martha’s Vineyard, Mass., approximately 26.5 nm east of Montauk, N.Y., and approximately 14.5 nm from Block Island, R.I. The Record of Decision (ROD) documents the decision to approve the construction of up to 84 wind turbines within the lease area.  

Efforts Underway 

There following renewable energy efforts are underway offshore Rhode Island: 

Public Engagement 

BOEM coordinates Outer Continental Shelf renewable energy activities offshore Rhode Island with its federal, state, local, and tribal government partners through its Intergovernmental Renewable Energy Task Force. BOEM also coordinates public information meetings to help keep interested stakeholders updated on major renewable energy milestones. To obtain information discussed during these meetings click on the links below. 

Environmental Studies 

BOEM has funded or considered numerous studies to collect information about the marine environment to support decisions concerning offshore renewable energy development. For more information, please visit: http://www.boem.gov/Rhode-Island-Environmental-Studies/ 

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