New England can integrate 9.6 GW of offshore wind without major upgrades
ISO New England finds 9.6 GW of offshore wind could connect to the grid without new infrastructure, reducing costs and streamlining clean energy expansion.
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USA, New England: A new ISO New England (ISO-NE) report suggests that up to 9.6 GW of offshore wind could be integrated into the regional grid without requiring major transmission upgrades. The study found that up to 38 % of major coastal substations analyzed could support 1,200 MW offshore wind interconnections without new infrastructure or thermal-related upgrades. Additionally, up to 86 % of substations may be viable with some modifications, while a few could even accommodate 2,000 MW projects without major upgrades.
The report highlights that relocating some offshore wind interconnections from Maine to Boston could significantly cut costs by reducing the need for extensive transmission expansion. However, upgrades on North-South transmission interfaces will still be required to handle increased electrification demand and new generation capacity in northern New England.
While this analysis provides a high-level overview of grid constraints, ISO-NE emphasized that full interconnection studies will be needed for a more detailed assessment. The study underscores the importance of regional coordination and strategic planning to maximize cost savings and ensure efficient offshore wind integration.
ISO-NE concluded that a comprehensive, regional approach to offshore wind development—rather than a project-by-project method—will be crucial for optimizing clean energy expansion while minimizing infrastructure costs.
Source: Utility Dive
#clean energy#Cost savings#electrification#grid integration#ISO-NE#New England#offshore wind#renewable energy#substations#transmission infrastructure
