McKee speaks on wind turbines, other future projects for clean energy

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Gov. Dan McKee has shared Rhode Island’s accomplishments and future endeavors involving clean energy.  

In October, the Office of Energy Resources announced its memo to the nation’s first multi-state offshore wind project. This agreement between Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut is an effort to further renewable energy and reduce emissions. 

Rhode Island Energy previously issued a Request for Proposals to acquire up to 1,200 megawatts of offshore wind energy. McKee has responded to this matter and announced today that Rhode Island’s second offshore wind project, Revolution Wind, has secured all state and federal permits and is set to begin construction in 2024. 

McKee has signed an Executive Order updating Rhode Island’s energy efficiency across all state agencies, which ensures that state agencies comply with emissions reduction targets.   

“Our team at OER is continuing to make progress toward creating a brighter, cleaner future for generations to come,” said Governor McKee. “Heading into 2024, we remain committed furthering our energy efficiency, renewable energy, clean transportation, and Act on Climate initiatives.” 

“OER is focused on meeting the Act on Climate energy objectives. We have launched and overseen several state energy efficiency, renewable energy and clean transportation programs and are proud of the success that the programs have had on advancing our emission reduction efforts,” Acting Energy Commissioner Chris Kearns shared. “Through this ongoing work, OER remains committed to building upon these programs and policies heading into the new year.” 

McKee shared Rhode Island’s efforts to reduce emissions across all sectors including energy efficiency investments, agricultural energy projects, clean transportation, and federal funding.  

The OER is set to receive funds for various energy-reduction programs. These funds include the expansion of electric vehicle charging stations, strengthening grid resilience, updating building energy codes, and furthering training for residential energy contractors.  

McKee said that the OER will also introduce two new programs surrounding home energy efficiency.