Climate Change Solutions Update

Tag: Rhode Island

  • 2 large wind farms finish construction on East Coast

    America's first major sea-based wind project, Vineyard Wind, completed construction with 62 turbines south of Massachusetts, while Revolution Wind began generating electricity with 65 turbines in Connecticut and Rhode Island. This marks a significant milestone in the two-decade push to build offshore wind in New England, despite resistance from President Trump. The projects will power 750,000 homes and are the largest renewable energy projects east of the Mississippi River. The success of Vineyard Wind and Revolution Wind represents a major win for New England's ambitious climate goals and efforts to reduce reliance on natural gas. Despite facing delays and challenges, including national security concerns and higher costs, Revolution Wind is contributing to clean energy, emission reductions, and economic growth in Rhode Island. Uncertainty remains for future offshore wind projects in the region, with Massachusetts and Connecticut delaying decisions and halting contracting.

    https://www.eenews.net/articles/2-large-wind-farms-finish-construction-on-east-coast/

  • Trump’s Offshore Wind Nightmare Becomes Reality

    Despite President Trump's attempts to halt offshore wind farm projects like Vineyard Wind and Revolution Wind, the development of multiple gigawatts of clean power on the Atlantic Coast is progressing. Vineyard Wind, with all 62 turbines now installed, is contributing to the growth of the domestic offshore wind industry. Revolution Wind, serving Rhode Island and Connecticut, reached a key milestone by sending electricity to the grid and is expected to save ratepayers up to $500 million per year. Other delayed projects, like Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind and Empire Wind, are also moving towards completion. With congestion pricing upheld in New York and the Sunrise Wind project progressing towards commissioning in 2027, the US offshore wind industry continues to grow, with multiple gigawatts of clean electricity heading for the nation's grid.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/03/14/trumps-offshore-wind-nightmare-has-become-reality/

  • Solar Power Project Completed On Capped Landfill In Rhode Island

    The Coventry Landfill Solar project in Rhode Island, featuring a 5.740 MW solar array, demonstrates the dual-purpose use of landfills for solar power, providing environmental and economic benefits to local communities. Completed by the end of 2025 after the landfill was capped in 2020 using WatershedGeo® ClosureTurf®, the project employed approximately 77 electrical and civil workers, along with 15 part-time support employees, generating an estimated economic benefit of $4.4 million for the town. The solar system can power approximately 600 homes and avoid 3,759 tons of CO2 in year one and 88,545 tons over 25 years.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/02/26/solar-power-project-completed-on-capped-landfill-in-rhode-island/

  • Trump’s offshore wind blockade suffers a third legal blow

    A federal judge in Virginia has blocked the Interior Department's order halting construction of offshore wind projects along the Eastern Seaboard, including one off the coast of Virginia, due to lack of sufficient reasoning and emerging national security concerns. The preliminary injunction allows construction to restart while litigation continues, as delays have already led to significant costs and will impact energy delivery to the region, including military facilities and data centers. Dominion, an energy company, is challenging the pause in court, but the government is withholding classified information. This decision follows similar rulings in favor of offshore wind projects in New York, Rhode Island, and Connecticut, highlighting the ongoing legal battles surrounding renewable energy development.

    https://www.eenews.net/articles/trumps-offshore-wind-blockade-suffers-a-third-legal-blow/

  • US Misses The Offshore Wind Boat And Aquaculture, Too

    The US offshore wind industry faced setbacks under President Trump, but projects in Rhode Island, New York, and Virginia are still moving forward. Chile is emerging as a leader in offshore wind energy, with collaborations with Norway and Denmark. The aquaculture industry in Chile is benefiting from clean power solutions, including offshore wind turbines and floating solar technology. These sustainable energy sources are reducing diesel consumption, lowering costs, and improving working conditions for workers in the aquaculture industry. Offshore wind and solar companies are exploring opportunities in aquaculture, with projects in Chile and China combining renewable energy with fish farming. China's Fuxi 1 offshore facility, powered by wind turbines, can farm multiple species of fish, crustaceans, and algae simultaneously. In Norway, a project is assessing the co-location of aquaculture and offshore wind turbines, with benefits including reduced risk of sea lice and oxygen deficiency for fish health. Research shows that offshore wind farms can enhance ecosystem productivity and create a more complex food web, supporting marine ecosystems. The collaboration between offshore wind stakeholders and the global aquaculture industry is highlighted, with mentions of missed opportunities in the US and new developments in Sweden.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2025/12/22/us-misses-the-offshore-wind-boat-and-aquaculture-too-shocker/