Source - reNews - US state legislature passes offshore wind bill
The Massachusetts Legislature has approved a new bill extending the terms for future offshore wind contracts, marking a significant shift in the state’s clean energy strategy.
Under the updated legislation, contracts can now span 15 to 30 years, an increase from the previous maximum of 20 years, according to Senate President Karen E. Spilka.
The bill tasks the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) with evaluating the effectiveness of current solicitations in meeting the state’s emissions reduction goals.
It also emphasizes the importance of maintaining high labor standards within the clean energy sector, covering offshore wind, clean energy generation, and storage projects.
Additionally, DOER, in collaboration with the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) and the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC), is required to issue guidance on long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) between offshore wind developers and municipalities, including those with approved aggregation plans.
The legislation further lowers the threshold for offshore wind facility employers to qualify for tax benefits. Employers now need just 50 full-time employees to access expanded tax credits and refundable credits for capital investments.
Stephanie Francoeur, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Oceantic Network, praised the move:
“Massachusetts continues to demonstrate its leadership in the U.S. offshore wind industry.
“As the industry continues to create thousands of jobs and drive billions in investment across the nation, this action by the Massachusetts legislature strengthens the industry and applies lessons learned from years of offshore wind energy procurement and project development.
“Massachusetts has worked with other states on regional transmission and procurement projects, most recently securing 2,678 MW of offshore wind energy and increasing access to local economic and supply chain development.
“We look forward to Governor Healey’s signing of this bill and working with the state to continue delivering the measurable economic benefits of this American industry.”
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