PROJECTS IN NEW YORK

New York State has released an Offshore Wind Master Plan that identifies several areas for offshore wind development off the coast of New York. 

These areas were chosen based on years of collaboration with stakeholders on environmental, maritime, economic, and social issues, as well as 20 studies, including wildlife surveys to minimize impact on birds, whales, and other marine species. For each wind farm that will be developed off in New York,  they must win a bid from NYS  and conduct rigorous environmental review, including multiple opportunities for public comment, before a project begins construction.

Resources

 

South Fork Wind Farm

New York’s first offshore wind farm will be located 35 miles off the coast of  Montauk and power 70,000 homes on the south fork of Long Island with renewable energy. This project was originally going to consist of 15 turbines generating 90 MW of power, but significant technological progress since the original project submission in 2015 will allow these turbines to provide an additional 40 MW of power to New Yorkers. 

Unlike the rest of New York, where energy demand is decreasing, energy demand on the south fork has increased. New York had to make the decision to build a new fossil fuel power plant or build the state’s first offshore wind farm, coupled with battery storage. After years of overwhelming public support for wind, LIPA decided to choose the South Fork Wind Farm.

In January, 2021 the US Bureau of Energy Management released a draft Environmental Impact Statement for the South Fork Wind Farm. The final EIS and project approval is expected to be released by the end of the year. On January 18, 2022, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management approved the Construction and Operations Plan for the South Fork Wind Farm and South Fork Export Cable Project.

Sunrise Wind and Empire Wind Farms

In 2019, New York State awarded bids to two offshore farms that will provide a combined 1,700 MW of wind power to New York. These projects are due to be completed by 2024. The Sunrise Wind Farm will be located off the south shore of Long Island. This project is due to begin construction in 2023 and will generate 924 MW of power for 600,000 homes. The Empire Wind Farm will be located approximately 20 miles off the coast of the Rockaways and generate approximately 800 MW of energy, which will also power 500,000 homes.

Attentive Energy

Attentive Energy , developed by TotalEnergies, Rise Light & Power, and Corio Generation, will generate 1,404 MW of renewable energy, enough to power 700,000+ homes. This project will be 54 miles offshore in the NY Bight and will connect into Queens at the Ravenswood Generating Station. Ravenswood, a former fossil fuel plant, will be repurposed to renewable energy and provide significant health and air quality benefits for NYC residents. 

Community Offshore Wind

Community Offshore Wind, developed by RWE Offshore Renewables and National Grid Ventures, will be located 64 miles offshore in the New York Bight and will provide power to NYC through an interconnection at Con Edison’s Brooklyn Clean Energy Hub. This project will generate 1,314 MW which can power more than 500,000 homes.

Excelsior Wind

Excelsior Wind, developed by Vineyard Offshore, will be located 23 miles offshore and bring renewable energy to Long Island via a cable connection to the East Garden City substation. This project will generate 1,314 MW and power 650,000+ homes. In addition, this project will help strengthen and expand Long Island’s electricity grid, which needs significant upgrades.