Connecticut has decided not to move forward with a joint offshore energy project involving three states, saying it was too expensive. Instead, the state will focus on solar energy and energy storage projects in the short term.
Governor Ned Lamont explained, We took a pass on this round, referring to the decision to withdraw from a collaboration between Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts.
The idea was to combine efforts in a unique offshore energy auction to make wind energy cheaper by increasing efficiency, but the high cost of offshore wind was a concern for Connecticut. As a result, one of the projects, Vineyard Wind 2, will no longer go forward, as it depended on Connecticut sharing in the cost.
Experts had predicted that the wind energy would cost about twice as much as Connecticut’s current energy, which is already among the highest in the country. Lamont had warned about the high costs earlier and said that while wind energy is important for the future, it’s a matter of timing and cost.
Republicans also agreed with the decision. State Rep. Ryan Fazio said new offshore wind purchases could raise electricity bills significantly, possibly by hundreds of dollars.
Instead of joining the wind project, Connecticut will invest in solar energy. The state plans to fund three solar power projects and a large-scale battery storage system. These investments are expected to save consumers $424 million over the next 20 years and meet about 3% of the state’s energy needs.
Despite concerns from Massachusetts about Connecticut’s reliability as a partner, officials in Connecticut are optimistic about future cooperation with neighboring states to increase energy supply, especially through better transmission systems for renewable energy.
Connecticut is also investing in energy projects in other states, including Maine, and has secured a $380 million federal grant for a new substation in Montville to help connect offshore wind energy to the regional grid.
Additionally, Connecticut is working with other New England states to support existing nuclear power plants, like Millstone in Waterford, as reliable sources of energy for the region. This collaboration aims to keep nuclear plants operational to help stabilize energy supply.
As for offshore wind, Connecticut still has one contract, the Revolution Wind project with Rhode Island. This project will provide enough power for around 350,000 homes in both states.
In the long run, Connecticut’s investments in solar, storage, and transmission infrastructure aim to lower energy costs and make future offshore wind projects more affordable.