Procurement Process For Offshore Wind Project
The Regulatory Authority of Bermuda has “launched the procurement process for Bermuda’s first offshore wind project” saying that “this landmark initiative aims to secure up to 120 megawatts [MW] of renewable energy from wind turbines that will be located off the island’s north shore.”
A spokesperson said, “This milestone marks a significant step in Bermuda’s journey to reduce its reliance on imported fossil fuels and transition to a cleaner, more resilient energy system. The RA is inviting developers from around the world to express their interest in building and operating an offshore wind farm that could provide a major new source of power for the island, while also attracting green investment.
“The project is expected to roll out in phases, starting with an initial installed capacity of 60 MW and expanding to 120 MW over time. A preferred site has been identified approximately 9 kilometres north of St. George’s Island, in waters around 15 metres deep with consistent wind speeds averaging 7.8 metres per second at 100 metres in height. A recent pre-feasibility independent study found the site technically suitable and economically promising, with no major environmental concerns identified.”
“Offshore wind presents a compelling opportunity for Bermuda,” said Nigel Burgess, Head of Regulation at the RA. “By opening the door to this kind of large-scale renewable energy, we will not only lower our exposure to global fuel price shocks but also create space for long-term investment that benefits both the economy and the environment.”
A spokesperson added, “The procurement process will be carried out in three stages: an Expression of Interest [EOI], a Request for Qualification [RFQ], and an Invitation to Tender [ITT]. Interested developers are now invited to submit an EOI, providing an overview of their experience, technical capabilities and an indicative [non-binding] offtake price.
“At the same time, the RA will commission further studies to support the project, including a seabed assessment and a wind metocean measurement campaign. These efforts will provide potential bidders with the information they need to evaluate the opportunity and invest confidently.
“The RA’s role in this process is not just about procurement – it is about shaping Bermuda’s energy future in line with its legislated mandate to promote affordable, reliable and sustainable electricity for all. Given the island’s limited land space and high energy costs, offshore wind offers a promising solution that aligns with community needs and the broader goal of energy independence.”
“This is not just a utility-scale project; it’s a chance for Bermuda to lead the way in renewable energy innovation across the region,” added Mr. Burgess. “We are excited to begin this journey and to welcome partners who share our vision for a cleaner, more secure energy future.”
A spokesperson added, “The EOI and related documents are available on the RA’s website at www.ra.bm/offshorewindfarm. Only those who submit an EOI will be eligible to proceed to the next phase of the process. For more information on the offshore wind initiative and the RA’s Bulk Generation Procurement Rules, please visit www.ra.bm.”
The full Expression of Interest follows below [PDF here]:
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Thanks Ricardo Engineering for all your hard work!
Haven’t we been down this road already? There is not enough wind to make turbine power viable.
Lack of wind is not the only problem. In a marine environment they are expensive to install, expensive to maintain and, BTW, Bermuda is a highly corrosive environment.
“BTW, Bermuda is a highly corrosive environment”
When Southside was still N.A.S. Bermuda, the U.S. Navy used to test coatings here because it was the most corrosive atmosphere of any Naval Station it operated.
Yes, any years ago.Did a tour with one of the Bermuda Employees, initials MP. Guess you would have known him.
Can confirm that the Bermuda atmosphere is harsh. Best explaination I have had is that because we are in the middle of the Sargasso Sea, an area where there is very little water movement but an excessive amount of evaporation, the salinity of the water here is very high, hnce the rapid rust and corrosion to metals.
Of course the pro wind farm people would not know any of that.
The pro-wind farm people are all about feeling good about themselves; facts are irrelevant. A wind farm will increase the cost of electricity in Bermuda, not lower it. Making people’s lives miserable is irrelevant when saving the planet, which does not need saving. I know, I tried to explain the reality to a major player at Greenrock. Like a deer’s eyes shining from the headlights of an oncoming fully loaded cement truck.
One might hope that no vendor and no investors will touch such a small project. Just remember, “capacity” is not actual generation. 60 MW capacity at 30% generation equals 18 MW. Where will the remaining 42 MW come from? Things the RA & consultants will not disclose.
Potential generated energy versus generated energy? Really? Who outside of BELCO and a few others do you expect to appreciate that distinction?
Yes, knowing the truth, the public would not buy into the go green craze. Greenwashing by the Government.
There is plenty of wind blowing in Bermuda – from politicians and environmentalists.
Expensive? Who cares about money when we feel good going green? Wind will drive up the cost of electricity big time.
Using going green to save the planet, the Government justified purchasing 70 electric buses and 13 electric cars for ministers.
The Government never mentions going green with electric vehicles are charged using electricity generated from fossil fuels. No mention of the tens of millions of dollars to upgrade roads to handle the extra weight of electric vehicles. To quote the great philosopher Alfred E. Neuman, “What, me worry?”
“No mention of the tens of millions of dollars to upgrade roads to handle the extra weight of electric vehicles.”
Correct. Because no such upgrade has taken place or is planned. The PLP Government is only now addressing 20 years of neglect of our roads according to Lt. Col. Burch.
Thank you!
Bermuda has the highest electricity price of any country in the world – we are #1 with pain!
So let’s add the cost of a wind farm and leave the rest of the world far behind!
Pure insanity. If we are lucky, no vendor will express interest.
I researched Block Island, Rhode Island, USA, as that is a five-turbine wind farm. The accounting and calculations are almost Enron-like, which gave me a headache. The Block Island offshore wind farm went live (commissioned) on 12 December 2016. There have been many problems, such as improperly burying an undersea cable delivering power to the mainland. It will cost an estimated $31 million to repair the cable. Rhode Island mainland residents subsidise electric rates for Block Island residents.
Turbines are shut down for weeks for “maintenance.”
Block Island Wind Turbines Motionless Due to ‘Routine Summer Maintenance’ – Energy Aug 9, 2021
Chris Raia, senior account executive with Providence-based public relations firm Duffy & Shanley, which represents Ørsted, said the turbines were shut down for the repair of “stress lines identified by GE in the turbines.”
“We put four turbines on pause as a precautionary measure and carried out a full risk assessment, which showed the turbines are structurally sound,” Raia said. “We expect to complete those repairs and all maintenance in the next few weeks as scheduled.”
He noted the repairs were in line with routine maintenance, which often occurs during the “optimal” summer months.
For the sake of argument, a wind farm hypothetically will produce 30% of Bermuda’s electricity annually. The up-and-down generation shortfalls and costs are already estimated, but the RA will not release the spreadsheets. Where will our electricity come from when the turbines are shut down for maintenance, slow winds, high winds (tropical storms & hurricanes) in a hypothetical Bermuda wind farm?
PS. Batteries are not the answer, and that will drive up the cost of electricity even higher.
From the story the RA claims the wind speed at the site averages 7.8 Meter/second, which comes out to 17.4481031 Mile/hour or 15.1619871 Knots.
“A preferred site has been identified approximately 9 kilometres north of St. George’s Island, in waters around 15 metres deep with consistent wind speeds averaging 7.8 metres per second at 100 metres in height.” (what equipment was used to measure that?)
Note 7.8m per second and not expressed in MPH or knots. Why m per second? (trick question)
There seems to be wiggle room in that 15.1619871 Knots claim.
Monthly average 11.58333333 / 15.1619871 = 76.40% of stated wind speed claim. Opps… Puffery at foot?
Source:
Bermuda Attractions, Bermuda Wind Direction and Speed
Month Wind Speed (knots)
January 13
February14
March 15
April 13
May 11
June 11
July 10
August 10
Sept 9
October 11
November11
December11
Average 11.58333333
Something else the RA does not know about, let alone experienced, is the noise that the turbines make. These things are noisy and the sound travels huge distances. Experienced it near Canso, Nova Scotia.
Do people have any idea how big these things are? Each blade is more than 100′ long.