NY On Track To Creating 9K MW Of Wind Energy In Long Island: NYS

NEW YORK — The Empire State is getting closer to achieving its goal to create 9,000 megawatts of offshore wind by 2035, by investing $500 million to procure 2,000 megawatts in renewable energy, which would power 1.5 million homes, according to Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office on Wednesday.

The state has already invested in five wind projects that are in active development that will generate 4,800 megawatts, power 2.4 million homes, bring $12.1 billion to New York and generate 6,800 jobs in component manufacturing, installation, project development and maintenance. The new investment will also bring the state closer to creating 10,000 jobs via offshore wind, powering 6 million homes and meeting 30 percent of the Empire State’s energy needs by 2035, according to Hochul’s Office.

"Today we are putting words into action and making it clear that New York State is the national hub of the offshore wind industry,” Hochul said in a statement. “The clean energy transition is driving significant private investment and family-sustaining jobs in communities across the state, and we are setting ourselves up for success with a brighter and more sustainable future."

The state has made six project proposals to help it achieve its goals for the next decade, one of which includes a first of its kind “meshed ready” offer transmission configuration, which will help offshore wind projects’ transition to a future system that could grow over time, provide greater reliability and more flexibility, ultimately saving New Yorkers $55 to $60 million annually in energy costs, based on recommendations made by a New York State Power Grid Study.

Awarding evaluation points for repurposing existing downstate fossil-based electric generation infrastructure, utilizing energy storage to enhance future system reliability and supporting more renewable energy on the grid; emphasizing in-state manufacturing, inclusive economic development and climate equity, and fostering relationships with New York’s workforce with construction backed by prevailing wage and labor agreements; and promoting the New York Buy American Act to solicit U.S. iron and steel purchase requirements to encourage domestic steel production, were just a few of the state’s proposals.

"New York is proud to continue leading the way in offshore wind development while establishing a blueprint for building a locally-based green economy," Hochul said.

Enhancing stakeholder engagement, tracking and requirements for New York jobs; and continuing support for responsible development through environmental mitigation without causing significant damage to fisheries, while supporting the monitoring of them and other wildlife to better understand the interactions with offshore wind projects, were the other proposals.

East Setauket Assemblyman Steve Englebright said the state's climate law establishes aggressive and legally binding targets to transition New York's economy from fossil fuels to renewables.

“The law requires New York to reduce economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent by 2030 and no less than 85 percent by 2050,” Englebright said in a statement. “Offshore wind on Long Island is a critical component to meet these requirements. In addition to producing clean power it is anticipated that this solicitation will be a catalyst to grow the Long Island based supply chain, port infrastructure, and support local job development on Long Island.”

Mariah Dignan, regional director of Long Island, Climate Jobs NY, said that when renewable energy gets built, operated and manufactured by unionized workers, it is good for the planet, good for working families, and builds vibrant local communities.

“Climate Jobs NY is encouraged by the priorities outlined in the state's third offshore wind solicitation and looks forward to working with bidders to ensure project development and supply chain investment plans are creating good union jobs throughout the industry,” Dignan said via a prepared statement.

Doreen Harris, president and CEO of the New York State Energy Research and Development, believes the solicitation is another opportunity to revolutionize and help the economy thrive for New Yorkers.

New Yorkers “continue to prioritize a transition that is cost-effective, environmentally responsible, and benefits all New Yorkers — and we look forward to partnering with project developers who share those same goals,” said Harris in a statement.

Interested proposers can apply on NYSERDA's offshore wind solicitation page and proposals are due on Dec. 22 by 3:00 p.m. A webinar will be held on Aug. 23, at 10 a.m. to provide more information on this solicitation and those interested in the webinar can sign up here, and are encouraged to register and submit questions in advance to offshorewind@nyserda.ny.gov.