Vineyard Wind has initiated a lawsuit against GE Vernova to prevent the turbine supplier from terminating contracts and withdrawing from the Vineyard Wind 1 project in Massachusetts.
As noted by Reuters and Associated Press (AP), the lawsuit was filed in a Boston state court. Vineyard Wind, a joint venture between Avangrid and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), claims GE Vernova aims to exit the project at a critical moment.
The dispute involves a turbine supply and service agreement worth approximately USD 1.3 billion, encompassing the design, manufacture, installation, and maintenance of wind turbine generators for the offshore farm.
Located about 24 kilometers (15 miles) south of Nantucket, Massachusetts, the 806 MW project includes 62 GE Vernova Haliade-X 13 MW wind turbines. Installation began in September 2023, and Vineyard Wind 1 started supplying power to the grid in early 2024. The project experienced a setback later that year due to a blade failure on one turbine.
The last of the 62 turbines was set up in March, and the wind farm is now partially operational.
Vineyard Wind seeks a court injunction after GE Vernova announced it would end the contract by April’s end, pushing for continued supplier involvement.
GE Vernova argues that withheld payments for work justify its contract termination.
Vineyard Wind contends it rightfully withheld about USD 308 million due to “poor performance” by GE Vernova, including issues related to a turbine blade failure in 2024, which caused delays and extra costs.
The developer claims GE Vernova could face damages up to USD 545 million, and its departure would inflict “irreparable harm.”
Vineyard Wind states GE Vernova is the only viable supplier for completing the project.
GE Vernova maintains it acted within contractual rights and will defend its position legally, stating all obligations, including turbine installation, have been met according to reports.
A hearing on Vineyard Wind’s requested preliminary injunction is set for April 16.
Original Story at www.offshorewind.biz