The Connecticut Sustainable Business Council is proud to welcome a powerhouse in renewable energy to our growing network of sustainability leaders. Vineyard Offshore, a pioneer in offshore wind development, brings with them an ambitious vision for New England’s clean energy landscape and a proven track record of community-centered development.
At the heart of their commitment to Connecticut stands Vineyard Wind 2, a landmark offshore wind project poised to reshape our region’s energy future. With a planned capacity of 1,200 MW, this transformative initiative will generate enough clean power for over 650,000 homes while delivering substantial economic benefits to our communities. Massachusetts has already secured 800 MW of the project’s capacity, and Connecticut now can procure the remaining 400 MW – a decision that could significantly accelerate our state’s progress toward its clean energy goals.
To better understand this transformative project and its potential impact on Connecticut’s sustainable future, we sat down with the Vineyard Offshore team for an in-depth conversation about their vision, their progress, and what this means for our state’s communities and businesses.
Let’s start with the basics. Tell us about Vineyard Wind 2 and what you’re planning off Connecticut’s coast.
Our proposed Vineyard Wind 2 is a 1,200 MW project off the coast of New England. Once completed, it will generate enough clean energy to power more than 650,000 homes and will catalyze over $2 billion in economic benefits for the region over the life of the project. Vineyard Wind 2 is expected to reduce carbon pollution in New England by 2.1 million tons per year — equivalent to taking 414,000 cars off the road — as well as improve air quality and reduce pollution-related health costs and environmental impacts.
That’s impressive. Where do things stand right now with the project, and what key milestones have you reached??
On September 6, 2024, Massachusetts announced it would procure up to 800 MW of the 1,200 MW project. We are eagerly awaiting a procurement decision from Connecticut on the remaining 400 MW in order for the project to proceed.
When we submitted our project proposal in March of 2024, we were proud to do so with more than 200 letters of support from local officials, suppliers, and stakeholders in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, which will all see economic impact from Vineyard Wind 2.
Let’s talk about local impact. What kind of economic opportunities will this create for Connecticut communities and businesses??
In Connecticut alone, Vineyard Wind 2 will generate $682 million in direct economic benefits and nearly 400 job-years of employment, the bulk of them associated with onshore construction, which will support an estimated 150 workers for more than two years.
The project will provide opportunities for local Connecticut businesses to deepen their involvement in the offshore wind industry. We are proud to be working with Connecticut businesses Survival Systems and ThayerMahan already and are looking forward to adding to that list.
We also plan to reach host community agreements with New London, Waterford, and Montville, where Vineyard Wind 2’s onshore facilities for landfall, cable routing, and converter station will be located. The leaders of all three communities have submitted letters of support for the project
Connecticut has set some ambitious clean energy targets. How does Vineyard Wind 2 help the state meet these goals?
Connecticut aims to achieve 100% carbon-free power by 2040 and secure 2,000 MW of offshore wind energy. If selected by Connecticut, Vineyard Wind 2 will be a key driver in reaching those goals, contributing 400 MW of offshore wind capacity while creating hundreds of family-sustaining jobs in the clean energy sector. Vineyard Wind 2 will avoid 2.1 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year across the region – that’s equivalent to removing 414,000 cars from the road.
Environmental protection is obviously crucial. How are you ensuring the project won’t harm marine life and local ecosystems?
Vineyard Wind 2 will continue to use innovative resources like bubble curtains (with partner and Connecticut-based company ThayerMahan) to reduce the impact of construction noise and employ protected species observers to ensure that no piledriving is initiated if marine mammals are in the area. Vineyard Offshore is also committing research funding to better understand the ecosystems we’re working in.
In addition, Vineyard Offshore will provide more than $20 million indirectly funded initiatives to support wildlife, fisheries, and ecological resources, as well as the commercial fishing industry.
You’ve mentioned community engagement is important. How are you connecting with local businesses and communities, and what opportunities do you see for Connecticut companies?
Vineyard Offshore is hosting public office hours, attending local events, and presenting to local groups to engage communities. Connecticut businesses will have a large part to play in the project before, during, and after construction. The state hosts a skilled workforce and significant opportunity for small business participation in the offshore wind industry, and we look forward to continued conversation on how local businesses can get involved.
Why did Vineyard Offshore join the Connecticut Sustainable Business Council and CT Businesses for Offshore Wind?
Vineyard Offshore joined the Connecticut Sustainable Business Council because its members understand the needs, challenges, and opportunities for companies building businesses focused on sustainability in Connecticut. While we’ve spent years getting to know the area, we’re always looking for new ways to connect with the community. We are excited to do that as part of a coalition made up of sustainable businesses.
Looking ahead, what kind of long-term impact do you see offshore wind having on Connecticut’s energy landscape?
As offshore wind expands in Connecticut, so does the industry that supports it. Previous offshore wind projects have transformed the port of New London, and Vineyard Wind 2 will create onshore construction jobs related to cable and transmission infrastructure. There’s a growing, well-trained workforce focused on the clean energy transition that will power Connecticut’s path toward a sustainable future.
Offshore wind is particularly beneficial to ratepayers, as it offers protection from energy price volatility with long-term, stable rates. When winter sets in and natural gas demand drives up costs, offshore wind generates its highest output, ensuring a steady supply of electricity at consistent prices.