Revolution Wind, a 50/50 joint venture between Skyborn Renewables and Ørsted, located about 15 miles off the coasts of Rhode Island and Connecticut, has begun commercial electricity generation from its 704 MW offshore wind farm for New England’s power grid.
The project connects to the regional transmission network through high-voltage offshore export cables and substations, providing electricity under long-term, fixed-price 20-year agreements with utilities in both states. At full operation, the project is expected to supply energy equivalent to the annual consumption of more than 350,000 homes and businesses.
The offshore array consists of 65 utility-scale Siemens Gamesa SG 11.0-200 DD turbines designed to withstand the North Atlantic marine environment, optimised for high winter wind speeds.
The farm integrates offshore substations to step up turbine voltage and reduce transmission losses, with subsea high-voltage export cables linking the project to onshore substations in Rhode Island and Connecticut. Grid operators will leverage advanced forecasting and real-time control systems to manage output variability and ensure stable integration with ISO New England’s electricity network.
Modelling by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection suggests the project could reduce wholesale electricity costs in the region by up to $500 million per year. Its winter-heavy production profile also strengthens seasonal grid reliability when demand and spot-market prices typically peak.
The project’s road to operation has not been without challenges. In 2025, federal stop-work orders halted construction twice, citing administrative and national security reviews. Ørsted and Skyborn responded with legal action, claiming the orders lacked statutory basis. Federal courts later approved an injunction allowing construction to resume, a decision that cleared the path for today’s announcement.
Revolution Wind represents one of the first large-scale offshore wind projects in the US Northeast, contributing to decarbonisation, grid reliability, and regional economic growth. By delivering predictable, domestic renewable energy and reducing exposure to fossil fuel price volatility, the project demonstrates the technical feasibility of integrating utility-scale offshore wind into an existing, complex power grid.
“Revolution Wind… is a testament to states tapping their energy resources to strengthen regional energy security,” said Amanda Dasch, Ørsted’s Chief Development Officer.
Full commissioning of the project is expected in the second half of 2026.
