A recent news media source reported that, according to a Vineyard Wind attorney, the 806-megawatt project is currently producing less than half of its output. The statement made on May 1, 2026, suggests the project is not producing enough power to be commercially viable.
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Vineyard Wind and GE Vernova are arguing over a billion dollars and will be back in court for the third time on May 12, 2026. Apparently, if the project does reach full power, it cannot repay billions of dollars in loans.
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In July 2024, it was found that around a third of the GE Vernova blades installed were defective and had to be replaced. During blade replacement, lightning hit a turbine, which could have caused catastrophic damage to blades and electronics.
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Ocean wind turbines are subjected to "parasitic power" use. If the turbines are not producing power, they need to get power to charge their batteries, computers, heated blades, AC, or anything a power plant needs. This is done with commercial power from the onshore electric company or 4000-watt diesel generators in the wind turbine, which require refueling. Parasitic power use must be subtracted from the overall output.
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Maintenance and inspections, such as refueling generators, must account for shutdowns.
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When you see the blades spinning, the turbines do not engage the generator to produce power until 6 miles per hour. After 6 mph, they start generating, and they don't produce full power until around 23 miles per hour. In other words, a 13 megawatt wind at around 12 miles per hour may only produce half its power. Additionally, the turbines are automatically shut down during storms due to high winds or shifting winds.
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The average wind speed off Massachusetts is around 20 miles per hour.
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GE Vernova hybrid wind turbine blades with specialized protective measures combine carbon fiber and fiberglass, but still suffer wear primarily from leading-edge erosion caused by rain, salt, and sand. This wear starts at the tips, often within the first year, reducing aerodynamic efficiency and structural integrity. Time will tell how long the blades will last.
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A new land-based wind turbine rated at 2 megawatts generally has an operating efficiency of not more than 40 percent.
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The Vineyard Wind project is supposed to power 400,000 homes, according to news sources.
.
The question for the future is Vineyard Winds' viability. How will it reach full power?
Vineyard Wind's Lack of Power Production
by Frank Haggerty
on Tuesday
A recent news media source reported that, according to a Vineyard Wind attorney, the 806-megawatt project is currently producing less than half of its output. The statement made on May 1, 2026, suggests the project is not producing enough power to be commercially viable.
.
Vineyard Wind and GE Vernova are arguing over a billion dollars and will be back in court for the third time on May 12, 2026. Apparently, if the project does reach full power, it cannot repay billions of dollars in loans.
.
Ocean wind turbines are subjected to "parasitic power" use. If the turbines are not producing power, they need to get power to charge their batteries, computers, heated blades, AC, or anything a power plant needs. This is done with commercial power from the onshore electric company or 4000-watt diesel generators in the wind turbine, which require refueling. Parasitic power use must be subtracted from the overall output.
.
Maintenance and inspections, such as refueling generators, must account for shutdowns.
.
When you see the blades spinning, the turbines do not engage the generator to produce power until 6 miles per hour. After 6 mph, they start generating, and they don't produce full power until around 23 miles per hour. In other words, a 13 megawatt wind at around 12 miles per hour may only produce half its power. Additionally, the turbines are automatically shut down during storms due to high winds or shifting winds.
.
The average wind speed off Massachusetts is around 20 miles per hour.
.
GE Vernova hybrid wind turbine blades with specialized protective measures combine carbon fiber and fiberglass, but still suffer wear primarily from leading-edge erosion caused by rain, salt, and sand. This wear starts at the tips, often within the first year, reducing aerodynamic efficiency and structural integrity. Time will tell how long the blades will last.
.
A new land-based wind turbine rated at 2 megawatts generally has an operating efficiency of not more than 40 percent.
.
The Vineyard Wind project is supposed to power 400,000 homes, according to news sources.
.
The question for the future is Vineyard Winds' viability. How will it reach full power?
.