America’s first commercial-scale offshore wind farm is officially open, a long-awaited moment that helps pave the way for a succession of large wind farms.
A 12-turbine wind farm called South Fork Wind has opend 35 miles (56 kilometers) east of Montauk Point, New York. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul will announce that the turbines are delivering clean power to the local electric grid. South Fork can generate 132 megawatts of offshore wind energy to power more than 70,000 homes.
The nation’s second large offshore wind farm, Vineyard Wind, is expected to open later this year off the coast of Massachusetts. The first five turbines are providing power for about 30,000 homes and businesses in Massachusetts. When all 62 turbines are spinning, they’ll generate enough electricity for 400,000 homes and businesses.