A Case Study on the Implementation of Block Island Offshore Wind Farm  & its Implications for Future Offshore Wind Projects to Come:

ENVS 3100| Dr. Dmochowski | Fall 2023

ABSTRACT:

Block Island is 15 miles off the coast of Rhode Island, and has always been known for its frequent and powerful winds, along with its massive diesel-burning generators that powered the island. This all changed when five 6-megawatt turbines were implemented offshore and south of the island’s Mohegan Bluffs in May of 2017, making Block Island the only community to be fully powered by offshore wind in the United States. This case study will investigate the controversy around the project during the time of proposal of the project, construction of the Wind Farm, and still today. While the project ultimately was implemented, controversy around ecological impacts, energy output, and obstructing views were all important issues discussed by stakeholders, including full-time and part-time Block Island residents, fishermen, the local and federal government and environmental groups. This project is extremely significant as it established a precedent for large-scale offshore renewable energy, and has influenced similar projects to come.