Bay State Wind, a partnership of Ørsted (formerly Dong Energy) and Eversource has submitted a bid to the commonwealth's first request for proposal (RFP) for the construction of an offshore wind farm off the coast of Massachusetts, in the US.

The wind farm is estimated to have an installed capacity of up to 800MW. It will also include a 55MW battery energy storage solution.

It will be located at least 25 miles off the coast in New Bedford and is claimed to be significantly far from the coast and residential communities.

The project, as per Bay State Wind, could create as many as 1200 new jobs during the construction phase and up to 10,800 direct and indirect jobs over the lifetime of the project.

The offshore wind project is estimated to generate enough clean electricity to power about 500,000 homes in Massachusetts per year and deliver about $300m in savings per year in lower winter power costs.

Apart from this, the project could also generate up to $30m in lease payments, fees and taxes that can support the local government.

Ørsted North America president Thomas Brostrøm said: “Bay State Wind is the most experienced, dependable partner to help Massachusetts realize its ambitions of becoming the hub for offshore wind development in North America.”

New Bedford will be staging area for construction along with operations and maintenance base throughout the lifetime of the wind farm. Bay State Wind had opened a new office in the region in November.

Eversource Business Development vice president Mike Auseré said: “We are confident that this bid represents the commonwealth’s strongest opportunity to meet its clean energy goals and lead the country in offshore wind development.

“By capturing New England’s powerful and consistent offshore wind resource through the most advanced generation and transmission technology, we can provide clean electricity directly to the region. Additionally, Massachusetts will see major new investment, job creation and an increase in tax revenues to support public services.”

Image: Bay State Wind’s bid for offshore wind farm could power 500,000 homes in Massachusetts. Photo: Courtesy of Ørsted.