Revolution Wind, the 704‑megawatt offshore wind farm developed by Danish energy company Ørsted, has entered full commercial operation off the coast of Rhode Island. The final, 65th turbine was installed in September, and the project is now generating up to its full capacity, delivering clean electricity to the New England grid.
Local benefits and economic impact
When operating at full capacity, Revolution Wind can power roughly 350,000 homes. The project is backed by power‑purchase agreements with Connecticut and Rhode Island utilities, locking in a price of $99 per megawatt‑hour for Eversource and United Illuminating customers. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection estimates the wind farm will save ratepayers about $500 million each year beginning in 2028, thanks to its competitive cost compared with more expensive generation sources.
“This is an important milestone which provides much‑needed new energy generation to customers at a time when demand is rising,” said William Hinkle, a spokesman for Eversource. The on‑shore assembly of turbines took place at the State Pier in New London, highlighting local job creation and the region’s growing expertise in offshore wind construction.
Federal opposition and judicial relief
The Trump administration has repeatedly sought to halt offshore wind development, issuing two stop‑work orders against Revolution Wind and filing a request with the U.S. District Court to rescind earlier approvals. Officials from the Department of the Interior argued the project could interfere with military radar, a claim that was rejected by a federal judge who allowed construction to continue.
U.S. District Court Judge Royce C. Lamberth in Washington, D.C., has already ruled twice in favor of developers, siding with Ørsted and other offshore projects against the administration’s challenges. The pending request to rescind approvals remains before Judge Lamberth, but the project’s successful commissioning demonstrates resilience in the face of federal opposition.
Future offshore projects
Ørsted is pressing ahead with another Atlantic‑coast venture, Sunrise Wind, which is about 60 percent complete and also being assembled at the State Pier in New London. The continued progress of both projects underscores the region’s commitment to clean energy and the economic opportunities that offshore wind brings to New England.
Despite the Trump administration’s ongoing legal maneuvers, Revolution Wind’s achievement marks a significant step toward a more diversified and resilient energy portfolio for Rhode Island and its neighboring states.
Original reporting: The Connecticut Mirror — read the source article.
