Despite the struggles of the now dormant Cape Wind offshore wind project in state waters, Massachusetts officials hope enactment of a law that sets new clean energy targets—including the largest state commitment to offshore wind power in the U.S.—will position the Bay State to compete with programs in neighboring Maine and Rhode Island and drive economic value from the energy source.
The law, signed by Gov. Charlie Baker (R) on Aug. 8, mandates Massachusetts utilities to purchase, by 2027, 1,600 MW of offshore wind power as well as 1,200 MW of hydropower, land-based wind power or solar energy.