Rhode Island’s ambitions as a wind-energy hub continue to grow

Source: By JENNIFER McDERMOTT, Boston Globe • Posted: Friday, August 30, 2019

Three wind turbines from the Deepwater Wind project stand off Block Island, R.I.
Three wind turbines from the Deepwater Wind project stand off Block Island, R.I.(Michael Dwyer/Associated Press)

PROVIDENCE — Rhode Island has approved tax credits to lure a third major offshore wind company to the state as part of an effort to become a hub for the industry.

The first U.S. offshore wind farm began operating off Block Island, Rhode Island, in late 2016, and Democratic Gov. Gina Raimondo wants to the industry to grow in the state.

The Rhode Island Commerce Corp. approved nearly $900,000 in tax credits over 10 years for Boston Energy, which plans to open its U.S. headquarters in Providence. The British company must maintain at least 52 full-time jobs in the state for at least 12 years.

Raimondo announced in June that another British wind turbine maintenance company, GEV Wind Power, will locate its U.S. headquarters in Rhode Island and create about 125 jobs.