Cuomo launches record-breaking 2.5-GW solicitation for New York offshore wind

The offshore wind solicitation also includes a multi-port strategy and requirement for offshore wind generators to partner with any of the 11 prequalified New York ports to stage, construct, manufacture key components or co-ordinate operations and maintenance activity.

The solicitation has the potential to bring New York State halfway toward its goal of 9.0 GW of offshore wind by 2035 and meet Governor Cuomo’s nation-leading climate and environment goals under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. Funding for port investment will include US$400M in public and private funding.

“In one of the most challenging years New York has ever faced, we remain laser-focused on implementing our nation-leading climate plan and growing our clean energy economy, not only to bring significant economic benefits and jobs to the state, but to quickly attack climate change at its source by reducing our emissions,” said Governor Cuomo.

“With these record-breaking solicitations for renewable energy and new port infrastructure, New York continues to lead the way with the most ambitious Green New Deal in the nation, creating a future fuelled by clean, renewable energy sources.”

The combined offshore wind and port solicitation marks an important next step in New York’s offshore wind programme to build on the state’s first two offshore wind projects, Empire Wind and Sunrise Wind, which represent the single largest renewable energy procurement in US history, at nearly 1.7 GW.

The solicitation will accept bids that combine offshore wind generation with investment in ports, to support the state’s burgeoning offshore wind industry through an innovative public/private partnership.

NYSERDA acting president and chief executive Doreen Harris said, “New York’s ports will have a critically important role supporting the long-term development of offshore wind projects, not only in New York but along the entire east coast, supporting new jobs and investment in the state during the recovery from Covid-19.”

NYSERDA said it will accept offshore wind bids between 400 MW and up to 2,500 MW.

The solicitation is being issued later than originally planned due to the difficulties created by the Covid-19 pandemic. Speaking during the US Offshore Wind Virtual Conference on 18 June 2020, NYSERDA’s then president and chief executive Alicia Barton said she was confident that the delayed solicitation would see “very strong” competition from developers.