Bermuda is going to make history with its first offshore wind farm—120 MW of renewable energy planned! The Island calls to international investors to help build a sustainable future. Explore how you can be part of it!
In a groundbreaking move towards reducing reliance on fossil fuels and moving towards sustainable energy, Bermuda’s Regulatory Authority (RA) has officially launched the procurement process for the island’s first offshore wind farm — a historic milestone
The RA is working to secure up to 120 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy from turbines located off Bermuda’s north coast. The initial phase will start with an installed capacity of 60 MW and is expected to expand to 120 MW over time. The project has been identified as a preferred location approximately 9 kilometers north of St. George’s Island, in approximately 15 meters of water depth, with average wind speeds of 7.8 meters per second at an elevation of 100 meters.
International call for developers to build offshore wind projects
The RA is now inviting developers from around the world to express their interest in building and operating this large-scale renewable energy project. According to the RA statement:
“This milestone is an important step in Bermuda’s journey to reduce its reliance on imported fossil fuels and transition to a cleaner, more resilient energy system.”
RA’s Head of Regulation, Nigel Burgess, added:
“Offshore wind presents an attractive opportunity for Bermuda. It can protect us from global energy price shocks and drive long-term green investment.”
A recent pre-feasibility study found the proposed site to be technically feasible, economically viable, and free of major environmental concerns.
Offshore wind farm construction process
In three phases, the procurement of the project will be conducted.
- The first is an Expression of Interest (EOI)
- The second is a Request for Qualifications (RFQ)
- and an Invitation to Tender (ITT)
These three categorical phases will be conducted where interested developers will first be required to submit an EOI that includes a summary of their experience, technical capabilities, and a non-binding offtake price. The rest will be completed in phases.
Support Studies and Site Data for Investors
To support potential bidders, the RA will conduct additional technical studies, two of which are
- Seabed Assessment and
- Aerometocean Survey (to analyse combined meteorological and oceanographic conditions)
These studies will help bidders to confidently assess the opportunity and ensure the long-term viability of the project.
Offshore wind key to Bermuda’s 2030 climate goals
The initiative is aligned with Bermuda’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), which aims to more than halve carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 through investments in solar, offshore wind power, and biomass. Offshore wind is listed as a “key component” of the preferred energy portfolio, with operations expected to begin by 2028.
The IRP calls for the immediate procurement of 20 megawatts of solar power generation and 60 megawatts of offshore wind.
How to Participate in the Project
Interested developers can formally participate in the project by submitting the EOI and supporting documents on the website ra.bm/offshorewindfarm.
Note: Only parties who submit an EOI will be eligible to proceed to the next stage of the procurement process.
Offshore wind construction the key of Bermuda’s 2030 Energy Goal
Bermuda is a self-sufficient country with domestically produced energy but is largely dominated by imported fossil fuels and diesel, but the island is actively transitioning towards renewable energy sources, aiming for a goal of achieving 85% renewable energy generation by 2035, including massive offshore wind farm projects.
The initiative aligns with Bermuda’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), which aims to cut carbon dioxide emissions by more than half by 2030, with accounting for offshore wind listed as a “major component” of the preferred energy portfolio, with operations potentially supposed to start in 2028.
The IRP also calls for the immediate procurement of 20 MW in solar generation and 60 MW in offshore wind.