(BOSTON) — The first GE Haliade-X wind turbine generator has been installed for the Vineyard Wind 1 project off Massachusetts, according to energy provider Avangrid and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP).
The completed turbine is comprised of one tower, three blades and one nacelle. The fully assembled machine represents the largest turbine in the Western world, with a nameplate capacity of 13 megawatts, capable of providing power to more than 6,000 homes and businesses.
“This is a monumental achievement and a proud day for offshore wind in the United States that proves this industry is real and demonstrates Avangrid’s steadfast commitment to helping the Northeast region meet its clean energy and climate goals,” said Avangrid CEO Pedro Azagra. “While this is a landmark for this first-in-the-nation project and the industry, we remain focused on the important work ahead to continue the successful installation campaign of these massive turbines and deliver the first power to Massachusetts homes and businesses this year.”
“This complete turbine is a monument to the hard work and belief in our construction and project teams, and countless partners in our neighboring communities,” said Tim Evans, partner and head of North America operations for CIP. “Vineyard Wind is the future of American offshore wind, and it’s a future full of clean, sustainable energy and tremendous potential for job creation and reducing carbon pollution. Offshore wind continues to be a cornerstone in our investment strategy, with the U.S. market playing a central role.”
The project 15 miles off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard will consist of 62 wind turbines to generate 806 megawatts, enough to power more than 400,000 homes and businesses.
“The successful assembly of the first wind turbine generator represents an important project milestone and another historic first for our port,” said New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell. “It further demonstrates New Bedford’s capacity to support the staging of major wind projects.”
From the outset of this project, Vineyard Wind recognized the importance of building and supporting a workforce of local, highly skilled and diverse tradespeople. The collaboration with union leadership on this project is a prime example of how this new industry can be a responsive member of the communities it serves, ensuring accessible and family-sustaining careers.
Vineyard Wind began offshore construction in late 2022, achieved steel-in-the-water in June, and completed the nation’s first offshore substation in July. Construction flows through the New Bedford Marine Commerce Terminal. In July 2021, Vineyard Wind signed the first project labor agreement for an offshore wind project in the United States, which outlined the creation of 500 union jobs though the project.
– Vineyard Wind
