The offshore wind industry in the United States reached a significant milestone today as the South Fork Wind Farm off the coast of Rhode Island commenced full operations. Developed jointly by Ørsted and Eversource, this project marks America’s first fully built, commercial-scale offshore wind farm. With 12 operational turbines, the 132-megawatt South Fork Wind Farm is set to power 70,000 homes on Long Island, contributing to the region’s clean energy goals.
Despite challenges faced by the offshore wind sector in recent years, including project delays and cancellations due to shifting global economic conditions, the completion of the South Fork Wind Farm highlights the industry’s resilience and progress. Over the next 25 years, the project is projected to prevent an average of 6 million tons of carbon emissions annually, equivalent to the emissions of 60,000 cars each year.
This achievement comes amidst a wave of positive developments in offshore wind across the Northeastern United States. Vineyard Wind, located less than 30 miles east of the South Fork Wind Farm, recently began delivering power to the New England grid with five operational turbines generating 68 megawatts of electricity. Additionally, New York State announced contract bids for two significant offshore wind projects—Sunrise Wind and Empire Wind 1—totaling 1,734 megawatts, signaling a major expansion of offshore wind capacity in the region.
The momentum for offshore wind extends beyond the Northeast, with investments announced in California, Maine, and Massachusetts. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates vast potential for offshore wind energy production, suggesting that coastal waters could support over 4,000 gigawatts of annual energy production, three times the country’s current electricity consumption.
Recognizing offshore wind’s role in America’s energy future, the Biden-Harris Administration has prioritized the development of offshore wind technology. The industry is expected to create tens of thousands of jobs and provide renewable energy to millions of Americans in densely populated coastal areas.
To support this growth, the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy is investing in research, development, and partnerships to establish a sustainable offshore wind market and supply chain. Despite past challenges, the long-term outlook for offshore wind remains promising as it continues to emerge as a vital component of the nation’s clean energy transition.