Mayflower Wind Officials Excited to Move Forward With Project

Courtesy of Mayflower Wind.

HYANNIS – Mayflower Wind officials are expressing excitement to move forward with its proposed clean energy project south of the Islands after being selected as the state’s second offshore wind development.

The 804-megawatt wind farm planned for about 20 miles south of the Nantucket would be able to generate enough electricity to power about a half million homes.

The Baker-Polito Administration announced October 30 that Mayflower Wind was selected to begin contract negotiations with electric distribution companies.

The project would bring the total amount of energy procured through legislation signed in 2016 to 1,600 megawatts.

The goal of the legislation is to provide Massachusetts residents with clean, affordable energy.

“We’re very excited to be part of this emerging industry in the Northeast,” said John Hartnett, the President of Mayflower Wind.

“We’re very excited to be part of Massachusetts plan to combat global climate issues, and really looking forward to developing and building out a utility-scale wind project here in Massachusetts.”

The next steps for the company include engaging stakeholders.

Hartnett said it is important to work with local communities, the commercial fishing industry and environmental groups.

Hartnett said the dire situation for the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale is one of the examples why the project should be developed responsibly. The species numbers around 400 and deaths have outnumbered new births in recent years.

Mayflower Wind will also work with federal agencies to secure the necessary permits.

Hartnett said they will also continue to develop the technical aspects of the plan, which includes developing the overall project design.

“We’ll be working with local manufacturers and local supply chain partners developing a plan for, ultimately, the construction and operation of the project,” Hartnett said.

Officials will also work with local ports to identify strong, and working with academic institutions on workforce development programs.

Hartnett said the number of wind turbines in the project will be determined over the next few years and is dependent on the size of the wind turbines chosen for the development.

The first planned offshore wind project off Massachusetts, Vineyard Wind, has hit some roadblocks from federal regulators.

In August, federal regulators postponed issuing an environmental impact statement for the 800-megawatt project, which would construct 84 turbines about 15 miles south of Martha’s Vineyard.

Hartnett did not seem worried about the delays Vineyard Wind has faced from federal regulators.

“It’s really the success of the states and the offshore industry that forced the federal government to take a step back to make sure they consider the cumulative impacts of all these projects,” Hartnett said.

“I think what they are doing, although it’s not that beneficial for the Vineyard Wind project and I think ultimately it will be, and it will be very beneficial for the industry overall.”

Hartnett said the company is honored to be selected by the state and have the confidence of the governor.

“We really look forward to working with the communities up and down the south coast of Massachusetts,” he said.