NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WPRI) ─ An offshore wind project that would provide clean power to almost all of Southeast Massachusetts is about to become reality.

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has published its final environmental review of the Vineyard Wind project on Monday, which included a favorable assessment of the proposal.

The 84-turbine offshore wind farm proposed by Vineyard Wind would produce 800 megawatts of clean energy and power 400,000 homes. The company said it would be the first large-scale offshore wind power project in the country.

“More than three years of federal review and public comment are drawing to a close and 2021 is poised to be a year to be remembered for our project and the offshore wind industry at large,†said Vineyard Wind CEO , Lars Pedersen, in a statement. declaration. “We look forward to taking the final step of the federal permitting process and being able to launch an industry that has tremendous potential for economic development in communities on the east coast.

The progress of the project is great news for New Bedford. The company said it will use the city’s port while the wind farm is being built.

New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell said the project’s final environmental review “marks a historic milestone in the development of the offshore wind industry in America.”

“With its advantages of geographic proximity, improved infrastructure and better U.S. maritime workforce, and after years of careful planning and investment, New Bedford is poised to lead the development of the industry, so that it can keep its promise to create well-paying jobs. while successfully coexisting with the commercial fishing industry, â€Mitchell said in a declaration.

The last step in the long federal assessment of the project, according to the company, is an official decision by BOEM, which could take place as early as this spring.

The company plans to reach financial close for the project later this year and hopes the wind farm will be operational by 2023.