The Portsmouth Planning Board meeting on November 20, 2024, highlighted significant developments in the South Coast Wind project, which aims to enhance renewable energy resources in the region. The project, under development for over six years, involves an offshore wind lease area located approximately 30 miles south of Martha's Vineyard and 60 miles south of Rhode Island.

A key aspect of the project is the installation of an offshore export cable that will be buried beneath the sea floor and connect to Brayton Point in Somerset, Massachusetts. This connection is part of a broader initiative to integrate offshore wind energy into New England's energy portfolio, with South Coast Wind recently securing a contract to provide over 1,200 megawatts of energy to both Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

The project promises several benefits for Portsmouth, including a host community agreement established in January, which will provide funding for local initiatives over the next 30 years. This funding can be utilized for various community projects, particularly those focused on resilience and sustainability.

During the meeting, project representatives detailed the construction plans, emphasizing that the cables will be installed using horizontal directional drilling to minimize disruption. The installation will occur primarily along public roadways, ensuring that there will be no above-ground infrastructure in Portsmouth. Temporary construction activities are expected, but the operational phase will not impact the community significantly, as the system will be unmanned with occasional maintenance checks.

Concerns were raised regarding the routing of the cables, particularly about the feasibility of continuing the cable route along the North Sakonnet River. Engineers explained that existing bridge structures and seabed conditions would complicate such an approach, making the proposed route more viable.

The meeting concluded with a focus on the project's potential to create jobs and stimulate local supply chain development, reinforcing Portsmouth's commitment to renewable energy and community resilience. As the project progresses, residents can anticipate both immediate construction activities and long-term benefits from this significant investment in clean energy.