New York Finalizes Nation’s Largest Offshore Wind Contracts To Date

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New York has finalized contracts for two offshore wind projects that will generate a combined 1,700 megawatts of renewable energy for the state.

New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced this week the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority has finalized contracts with Equinor Wind US LLC for its 816 megawatt Empire Wind Project and Sunrise Wind LLC for its 880 megawatt Sunrise Wind Project.

The wind farms will help Governor Cuomo achieve his “Green New Deal” goal of having 9,000 megawatts of offshore wind off New York by 2035.

The contracts with Equinor and Sunrise mark the largest offshore wind agreements executed to date in the budding offshore wind industry in the United States.

“New Yorkers know all too well the devastating impacts of climate change and the catastrophic consequences if we do not act urgently,” Governor Cuomo said. “By finalizing the contract awards for the nation’s largest offshore wind procurement, we are realizing the positive impacts these projects will have on the environment, while diversifying our economy and bringing significant economic benefits to the Empire State.”

Equinor’s Empire Wind project will be developed with 60-80 wind turbines with an installed capacity of more than 10 MW each. Equinor says the project’s total investments will be approximately $3 billion with an expected start up in late 2024.

The 880MW Sunrise Wind project, also projected for commissioning in 2024, will be located 30 miles east of Montauk Point, Long Island, next to Ørsted’s South Fork and Revolution Wind projects. An operations and maintenance hub will be developed in Port Jefferson, Long Island.

Sunrise Wind is a joint venture of Ørsted A/S and Eversource Energy.

Updated: May 12, 2022 (Originally published October 24, 2019)

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