Legislation signed into law by Rhode Island Gov. Daniel McKee on Wednesday plans to add enough offshore wind power to supply nearly a third of the state’s electricity needs.
Under the new law, PPL Corp., which operates Rhode Island Energy, is required to buy up to 1,000 megawatts of offshore wind power. The procurement plan for wind will help Rhode Island achieve its ambitious renewable energy goals, including 100% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2033.
Rhode Island has vast offshore wind potential. Wind power alone could power Rhode Island eight times over.
“It’s exciting to see Rhode Island take bold steps to tap the powerful and steady winds blowing off the Atlantic Coast to produce electricity,” said Johanna Neumann, Senior Director of the Campaign for 100% Renewable Energy at Environment America. “This will be a key ingredient for the Ocean State reaching 100% renewable electricity by 2033.”
