Mayor Michelle Wu is backing a major offshore wind energy project, marking a potential first for a U.S. city in the fight against climate change. The Boston leader announced her support for Avangrid's New England Wind 1 proposal, as part of a response to the multi-state procurement for offshore wind power by Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, according to Boston.gov. This comes as part of the city's broader push toward decarbonization and sustainable economic growth. "Boston must lead the way in building a sustainable future, and we’re proud to set a new standard with a direct stake in innovation to create clean energy and good jobs for our residents and communities," Mayor Wu said in a statement obtained by Boston.gov.
Under a non-binding MOU, Boston could snag up to 15 megawatts from this offshore wind farm, which happens to be enough juice for one turbine. That's got the potential to power a considerable portion of the city's public sector, including municipal buildings and homes participating in the Boston Community Choice Electricity program. Running on this green energy, Boston Public Schools and nearly 5,000 homes could see the renewable difference. The initiative is also set to bring a sea of vocational opportunities to local students, with the city and Avangrid looking to invest in the workforce of tomorrow's green economy.
In her forward momentum, Mayor Wu and the city are navigating new waters into the offshore wind industry, aiming to counterbalance the fluctuating fossil fuel market. Reverend Mariama White-Hammond, Chief of Environment, Energy and Open Space, praised the project, especially recognizing David Musselman, the city's Director of Municipal Energy, who retires next month and has been a force behind such initiatives. "The City of Boston is thrilled by the chance to participate in the offshore wind revolution," she told in a statement obtained by Boston.gov.
Adding to the chorus, Avangrid CEO Pedro Azagra shared his enthusiasm for the partnership. “Mayor Wu and the City of Boston are among the country’s foremost climate champions, so we saw a natural opportunity with our New England Wind bid and the City’s leadership to form this exciting partnership," Azagra said in a statement obtained by Boston.gov, backing Boston's strong climate posture. If Avangrid's New England Wind 1 project scores the state's selection, it would funnel up to 800 megawatts to the New England grid, cutting greenhouse emissions by the millions and getting the regional economy amped up for clean power and economic growth.
The City of Boston has shown a knack for pioneering sustainable strategies, aiming at carbon neutrality. One of those programs, Renew Boston Trust, has slashed energy use and clipped emissions for the city's infrastructure, cutting checks and carbon footprints in the process. Moreover, the enactment of the Equitable Electrification Initiative represents Boston's commitment not just to a greener planet, but also to a fairer society—an initiative seen as yet another stride for the City's Green New Deal.
