WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 (UPI) -- The U.S. Interior Department said it offered a right-of-way to renewable energy company Deepwater Wind to connect an offshore wind farm to the grid.
U.S. Interior Secretary Sally Jewell said the grant gives Rhode Island the chance to develop a sustainable energy future.
"This is a major milestone for offshore renewable energy in the United States," she said in a Monday statement.
The eight-nautical mile corridor allows Deepwater Wind to connect its planned 30 megawatt Block Island wind farm to the mainland.
The wind farm will generate enough power to meet the annual energy demands of more than 17,000 households. Construction begins in full swing next year.
The Rhode Island government signed off on environmental permits for what will become the nation's first offshore wind farm in May.
Deepwater Wind last week selected Gulf Island Fabrication to build steel foundations for Block Island. Fabrication begins early next year.
So far, the Interior Department has awarded seven commercial wind energy licenses off the Atlantic coast.
There are currently no commercial wind farms in service in the United States.
