New York State Releases Third Competitive Offshore Wind Solicitation

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the release of New York’s third competitive offshore wind solicitation seeking to procure at least 2,000 megawatts (MW) of offshore wind energy capacity, enough to power 1.5 million.

The procurement, administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), includes the first phase of the nation-leading $500 million investment in offshore wind ports, manufacturing, and supply chain infrastructure that was announced in January.

The announcement is the latest in a series of significant offshore wind developments for New York State so far this year, including the groundbreaking of New York’s first offshore wind project. New York State has set a goal to develop 9,000 MW of offshore wind by 2035.

“New York is proud to continue leading the way in offshore wind development while establishing a blueprint for building a locally-based green economy,” said Governor Hochul. “Today we are putting words into action and making it clear that New York State is the national hub of the offshore wind industry. 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.”

New York State will develop the land-side infrastructure to support turbine installation and the electrical transmission capabilities, and also the on-going maintenance once the turbines and electrical cabling are in operation.

The solicitation includes a number of provisions to advance clean energy development, including introducing a new future-proof transmission design and commitments to support U.S. iron and steel production, stakeholder engagement, jobs and workforce development.

The latest solicitation, known as ORECRFP22-1, will expand New York State’s existing approximately 4,300 megawatt offshore wind portfolio which currently consists of five projects—Sunrise Wind (924 megawatts), Empire Wind 1 (816 megawatts), Empire Wind 2 (1,260 megawatts) and Beacon Wind (1,230 megawatts).

“Releasing our third offshore wind solicitation provides a further opportunity to revolutionize our economy and continue to build a thriving offshore wind industry right here in New York as we continue to grow our nation-leading renewable energy project pipeline,” said NYSERDA CEO Doreen M. Harris. “We 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.”