Mayflower Wind won the rights to develop a lease area that could eventually support up to 1,600 MW of offshore wind, over 30 miles south of Martha’s Vineyard and 20 miles south of Nantucket. The project will provide enough energy to power more than half a million homes as early as the mid-2020s.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities has approved long-term contracts between Mayflower Wind and the state electric distribution companies. Wind power from the project is expected to eliminate 2.5 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually once in operation, which would be the equivalent of taking 5.3 million cars off the road.
“We are committed to doing right by our communities, working with local and regional partners to use cost-effective and innovative technologies as we deliver affordable, renewable energy to Massachusetts,” said Michael Brown, Chief Executive Officer of Mayflower Wind. “We have a strong relationship with Burns & McDonnell and value the local experience and knowledge they bring to the project. We look forward to partnering with all of our stakeholders and partners to make this project a successful contributor to New England’s power portfolio.”
Burns & McDonnell has provided conceptual design for onshore elements of the project over the last year and will continue to draw on New England-based resources to provide a FEED (30 percent design) package and market engagement services for the onshore substation and underground transmission line. The firm’s design will be used to file key federal and state permitting applications next year as well as to further develop the project for the construction phase. It will rely on regionally based personnel and in-state survey and geotechnical engineering consultants to support this strategic project for Mayflower Wind.
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“We believe aligning with Mayflower’s vision on the project will help create thousands of high-paying jobs, support a growing economy and help us to create environmentally conscious, resilient, and reliable energy for millions of business owners and residents,” said Jason Cabral, Northeast U.S. Regional Vice President for Burns & McDonnell. “To support the development of offshore wind farms and critical infrastructure projects in the Northeast, our firm plans to grow 15 percent to 20 percent each year in the region throughout the next five years.”
The project would help train New England workers for jobs in the offshore wind industry. Manufacturing and supply chain development for the industry could grow to represent thousands of new jobs across the Northeastern U.S.
Burns & McDonnell is a family of companies bringing together a team of 7,600 engineers, construction professionals, architects, planners, technologists, and scientists to design and build critical infrastructure. With an integrated construction and design mindset, the company offers full-service capabilities with more than 55 offices, globally. Founded in 1898, Burns & McDonnell is a 100 percent employee-owned company.
Mayflower Wind is a 50/50 joint venture between Shell and Ocean Winds. The company is backed by two energy companies with experience and capability in working alongside communities and managing the complexities of offshore and onshore energy development projects.
