Bermuda Offshore Wind Opportunities

Bermuda has set a target of 85% renewable energy generation by 2035. To help meet that target, the Regulatory Authority of Bermuda (RA) has identified a site to build a 60-megawatt offshore wind farm. The RA aims for construction of the wind farm to start in 2028 and to be completed before 2030. The current plan includes 17 3-blade turbines each generating 3.6 MW to meet 30% of the island’s annual electricity demand. 

With the offshore wind farm, Bermuda aims to transition to low-carbon energy, generate jobs, and improve air quality while minimizing the land impact to the 21 square mile country. The proposed site is within the 15-kilometer airport restriction zone, so any structures must be below 150 meters in height. Other challenges for builders would be minimizing the impact on the coral preserve and fishing industry. Mitigation efforts are being considered to limit the effect on archeology, tourism, and environmental factors.

If the RA decides to move forward with its plans, the new wind farm could present opportunities for U.S. exporters of goods (wind turbines, parts, cabling, etc.) and related services (e.g., EPC and O&M). Additional assessments and stakeholder engagement efforts are now underway. The RA is working to produce solicitation documentation for de-risking activities and plans to open the expression-of-interest process for development before the end of 2023.

Interested U.S. companies can stay abreast of developments and respond to the forthcoming expression-of-interest at: https://www.ra.bm/offshorewindfarm. 

For more information on Bermuda’s energy sector, contact Commercial Specialist Rachel Fefer at Rachel.Fefer@trade.gov.