About three miles southwest of Block Island, five massive white turbines rise out of the Atlantic Ocean. On a clear day they’re visible from the beach, from the ferry deck as you approach the island, and from the dramatic overlooks along the southern cliffs. They’re hard to miss, and once you know their story, they become one of the most interesting things about this already fascinating place.
The Block Island Wind Farm was the first offshore wind farm ever built in the United States. Here’s everything you need to know about it.
A Quick History of the Block Island Wind Farm
The project was developed by Deepwater Wind and came online in December 2016 after years of planning, permitting, and construction. Five turbines were installed on steel jacket foundations anchored to the ocean floor in roughly 80 feet of water, southwest of the island’s shoreline. Together they generate up to 30 megawatts of electricity, which is enough to power the island and then some.
Before the wind farm existed, Block Island had one of the most expensive electricity rates in the entire country. The island ran entirely on diesel generators, with fuel transported to the island by barge at significant cost and carbon footprint. Residents paid roughly three to four times the national average for their electricity bills. The offshore wind farm changed that dramatically, cutting energy costs for island households and businesses and eliminating the need for constant diesel barge deliveries.
It was a landmark moment not just for Block Island but for the entire American offshore wind industry, proving that this kind of project was viable in U.S. waters. The Block Island Wind Farm effectively opened the door for the much larger offshore wind buildout now happening along the entire Northeast coast.
How Big Are the Turbines?
Each turbine stands about 600 feet tall measured from the ocean surface to the highest tip of a rotor blade. The towers themselves rise roughly 265 feet above the waterline. The rotor diameter on each turbine is approximately 443 feet, meaning the blades sweep an area roughly the size of two football fields laid end to end with every single rotation.
When you’re standing on the south shore looking southwest, the scale is genuinely hard to grasp from shore. From the water, when you get closer, they are enormous and genuinely impressive structures.
Can You Visit the Turbines?
The turbines sit in open ocean and there’s no public tour of the wind farm itself. However, you can get a much better look from the water. Several boat charter operators based in Old Harbor run trips around the island that pass near the wind farm, and some offer it specifically as an attraction. It’s one of the more unusual and memorable experiences you can have from the water around Block Island.
From shore, the best viewing spots are along the south and southwest coast. The Mohegan Bluffs area provides elevated views where the turbines are clearly visible against the horizon on a clear day. Biking out along the southern island roads and stopping at overlooks is a great way to appreciate the scale of the project from land.
How Have Locals Responded to the Wind Farm?
Honestly, the response has evolved over time. Before construction, there were genuine concerns from some residents about visual impact, effects on the fishing grounds, and the disruption of installation. Those conversations were real and sometimes heated.
Since the turbines have been operating, the majority of islanders have come to accept them as part of Block Island’s identity. The reduction in electricity costs was tangible and appreciated. The project brought international attention to the island’s role in clean energy history. And the turbines themselves have become something of a visual landmark, appearing in countless photos and representing something genuinely forward-looking about this small community.
The Wind Farm Today
The Block Island Wind Farm is now managed by Ørsted, a Danish offshore wind company that acquired Deepwater Wind after the project was completed. The turbines continue to operate and generate power for the island.
The project is routinely cited in renewable energy discussions as the proof of concept that made larger American offshore wind projects possible. Standing on Block Island’s south shore looking out at those five white structures rotating slowly in the Atlantic breeze is a genuinely different kind of travel experience. It’s not just scenery. It’s history you can see.
Pair the Wind Farm with the Bluffs
While you’re on the south end of the island exploring, Mohegan Bluffs is an absolute must. The clay cliffs drop 200 feet to a dramatic stone beach below, and the offshore turbines are visible in the distance from the overlooks above. It’s one of the best panoramic views on the island.
For more ideas on how to fill your time, check out our full guide to things to do on Block Island and our outdoor adventures guide for the best ways to explore every corner of the island.
