Vineyard Wind Selects MHI Vestas as Preferred Supplier for First Large-Scale Offshore Wind Project in the United States

MHI Vestas to bring industry-leading V164-9.5 MW turbine to the US market as Massachusetts sets the pace in the burgeoning offshore wind industry.

After many years of anticipation and watchful eyes from around the globe, the US offshore wind market has reached commercial scale.

Vineyard Wind, the 800 MW project off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, took a major step forward today in naming MHI Vestas Offshore Wind as the preferred wind turbine supplier for the project.

“We are pleased to announce the selection of MHI Vestas Offshore Wind as preferred supplier for the United States’ first utility-scale wind farm,” said Lars Pedersen, CEO of Vineyard Wind. “MHI Vestas shares Massachusetts’ strategic commitment to affordable offshore wind power and sustainable energy solutions that will benefit future generations. By driving down the cost of energy through reliable wind turbine technology, MHI Vestas is the perfect partner for our company and the Commonwealth.”

“We feel honoured to have been selected as preferred supplier for the first large-scale offshore wind project in the US,” said MHI Vestas CEO, Philippe Kavafyan. “In bringing the V164-9.5 MW, the world’s most powerful wind turbine, to Massachusetts, Vineyard Wind ensures that the Commonwealth will be home to our most recent technology that is extremely well suited to conditions along the eastern seaboard. We look forward to partnering with Vineyard Wind to help Massachusetts achieve its climate targets and bring clean energy jobs to the region.”

The 800 MW offshore wind project, scheduled for installation in 2021, is large enough to serve as a catalyst for the build-up of a local supply chain in the region. Once the turbine supply order is confirmed, MHI Vestas will begin the process of local hiring and supply chain investment to support the project as it nears the construction phase.

In announcing MHI Vestas as preferred turbine supplier today, Vineyard Wind advances the ambitious vision of Massachusetts and Governor Charlie Baker, who announced in 2016 that the state will procure 1.6 GW of offshore wind energy by 2026.

Today’s announcement comes as Massachusetts advances its leadership in the integration of offshore wind energy to help replace decommissioned coal power plants. Massachusetts state law seeks to have 3.2 GW of offshore wind providing electricity to the Commonwealth by 2035, which represents more than 20% of electricity consumed in the state.