The Deepwater Wind Block Island, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Deepwater Wind, recently announced it has fully financed the Block Island Wind Farm, reaching financial close. Alstom and Deepwater Wind announced a contract in February 2014; the notice to proceed represents final contractual authorization for Alstom to proceed on engineering and manufacturing.

Under the terms of the deal, Alstom will supply, install and commission the five Haliade 150¹ turbines for the project and provide 15 years of operations and maintenance support. The turbines, capable of producing approximately 125,000 MWh of electricity annually, will provide about 90 per cent of Block Island’s power needs.

“This is a major milestone and the confirmation that this project, the first commercial offshore project in the United States for Alstom, will now materialize ” said Yves Rannou, senior vice president, wind, for Alstom.

Anders Soe-Jensen, vice president, Alstom Wind Offshore, added: “Securing final financing for this ambitious project is an exceptional achievement for Deepwater Wind. We believe this project will highlight both the commercial and technological viability of offshore wind in the US, and we are proud to be part of the team making it happen."

Wind turbine, foundation and electrical interface engineering is advancing on schedule to meet Deepwater Wind’s project specifications, including installation of the five foundations during summer 2015. Located about three miles off the coast of Block Island, Rhode Island, the Block Island Wind Farm is scheduled for commercial service in the fourth quarter of 2016.