Industrial, Sourcing Renewables, Wind  -  June 5, 2024

NY State Finalizes Contract for Offshore Wind Project

New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced the finalization of new contracts for two offshore wind projects totaling over 1,700 megawatts, which will be the largest power generation projects in New York State in over 35 years after they enter operation in 2026. 

The two wind projects consist of Empire Wind 1, a planned 810-megawatt project that is developed by Equinor, and Sunrise Wind, a planned 924-megawatt project that is developed by Ørsted and Eversource as the result of New York’s fourth offshore wind solicitation. 

New York’s goal is to develop 9,000 megawatts of offshore wind energy by 2035.

“New York is leading the nation to build the clean energy industry, create good-paying jobs, and advance our climate goals,” Governor Hochul said in a statement. “Offshore wind is a critical piece of our clean energy blueprint to address the climate crisis, and our investments are building a healthy, sustainable New York so that future generations can thrive.”

Empire Wind I, located 15 miles off New York’s shore, and Sunrise Wind, located more than 30 miles east of the eastern point of Long Island, have already completed most federal and state permitting milestones. 

To support the wind farm’s connection to New York’s electric grid, onshore construction relating to the Sunrise Wind project is well underway, having received approval of its proposed onshore cable route on Long Island in November 2022. Empire Wind 1 achieved a critical milestone last month when the New York State Public Service Commission approved the project’s plan to connect to New York’s electric grid. 

Empire Wind 1 and Sunrise Wind were previously awarded by NYSERDA in 2019 as part of NYSERDA’s first offshore wind solicitation and re-awarded in 2023. 

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