Massachusetts and Rhode Island will collaborate to develop offshore wind farms in a 400-square-mile area of mutual interest (pictured here inside the blue dotted line)

Rhode Island and Massachusetts are to collaborate to develop offshore wind projects in a 400 square mile area of “mutual interest” in Rhode Island Sound.

The partnership agreed yesterday will see the two states working together to complete a renewable energy leasing process to open up the area of federal waters for offshore wind energy facilities.

Rhode Island Governor Donald L. Carcieri and Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick signed a Memorandum of Understanding to pursue development in the area, which is located 12 miles southwest of Martha’s Vineyard, extending 20 miles westward into Rhode Island Sound.

The agreement recognizes the authority of each state to get involved in offshore developments as stakeholders on equal terms within the designated area.

The area was designated by the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council for possible development, which has drawn up a Special Area Mapping Plan to help guide the development process.

Governor Carcieri said: “We share mutual interests in developing offshore wind projects, bringing greater economic development activity and economic security to the region. Working together, we ensure Rhode Island and Massachusetts will continue to lead the nation in offshore wind.”

Massachusetts and Rhode Island will now work together on an economic development study to identify the costs and benefits of offshore wind development in the area of mutual interest.

Should the work determine that development would have benefits for both states, they would then seek the necessary federal approvals for developments in federal waters.

“It is in the best interest for both states to work together to expedite the federal permitting process through this collaborative effort,” said Gov Carcieri.

Individual developments

The MOU between the two states is not intended to replace individual efforts by the two states to develop offshore wind projects outside the area of mutual interest.

The agreement also maintains the authority of both states to apply state and local permitting laws to development in the area of mutual interest.

It is in the best interest for both states to work together” - Rhode Island Governor Donald Carcieri

Massachusetts is currently preparing the way for its 468MW Cape Wind project in Nantucket Sound, while Rhode Island is currently reviewing its 20MW Block Island demonstration project.

“In the wake of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill tragedy, it has become more pressing than ever to make the most of the clean energy potential off our shores,” said Governor Patrick. “By working together, Governor Carcieri and I will make our states the hub of our nation’s offshore wind industry, creating jobs and enjoying the environmental benefits of clean, renewable energy.”

US Department of Energy estimates suggest 620,000 megawatts of offshore wind energy could in theory be developed off the East Coast – this would be enough energy to meet the electricity needs of the entire East Coast.