The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environment Protection (DEEP) has issued two requests for proposals for grid-scale, zero-carbon electricity resources, one of which seeks up to 2 GW of offshore wind capacity as part of a larger agreement with neighbouring New England states. The deadline for submitting bids for both RfPs is January 31, 2024. The successful applicants will be given contracts with the state’s electric distribution companies.
In particular, after Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island agreed in October 2023 to jointly conduct bids for up to 6.8 GW of offshore wind capacity through their separate state procurements, up to 2 GW of offshore wind proposals are being sought. In accordance with the RfP regulations, bidders may submit pricing at a fixed rate or a rate that is linked to the price, thanks to the indexed pricing option. The purpose of the provision is to allow for future modifications in light of the macroeconomic climate.
The second RfP focuses on renewable energy sources such as solar, geothermal, run-of-river hydropower, onshore wind, and energy storage combined with a zero-carbon resource. Projects including fuel cells and energy efficiency will also be acknowledged. Furthermore, the goal of the zero-carbon round is to assist in providing 3,975 GWh, or around 15 per cent of the state’s electricity demand, with renewable energy.
