RI awards offshore wind farm rights to NJ firm

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - Rhode Island has granted a New Jersey-based renewable energy firm the right to develop a massive wind farm off the state's coast.

DeepwaterWind CEO Chris Brown says the project will cost one billion to two billion dollars and would generate 15 percent of the state's electricity needs in the coming decade. It would involve about 100 wind turbines. Governor Carcieri says the deal positions Rhode Island to be a leader in offshore wind energy.

Carcieri has backed alternative energy because New England is heavily dependent on expensive natural gas. The region's electricity bills are among the most expensive in the nation. DeepwaterWind must still obtain more than 100 government permits and line up its financing before building.

The firm hopes to have some turbines operating by 2012.

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