New York begins process to ready ports for offshore wind

Port development in support of the state’s offshore wind programme is expected to unlock billions of dollars in long-term local economic development. The request for qualification was issued in response to Governor Andrew Cuomo’s ‘Green New Deal’ goal to develop 9.0 GW of offshore wind by 2035.

NYSERDA president and chief executive Alicia Barton said, “With the 13th largest economy in the world, a wealth of existing port infrastructure, and the largest commitment to offshore wind in the US, New York is uniquely positioned to be the centre of this exciting new industry.

“This announcement is a major step in advancing the infrastructure upgrades needed for New York ports to support the offshore wind industry while helping to achieve economies of scale faster, develop a domestic supply chain more quickly and efficiently, and utilise ports and support developments all along the east coast.”

Empire State Development acting commissioner and president and chief executive designate Eric Gertler said, “Providing the proper infrastructure needed to advance Governor Cuomo’s offshore wind programme will ensure that New York State will lead the way towards a clean energy future which is estimated to create more than 1,600 jobs, result in US$3.2Bn in economic activity and position New York State as an important hub.”

The request for qualification is the first step in a two-phase process through which New York is seeking to prequalify proposers and then competitively select proposals for public-private investment opportunities in port infrastructure.

Only those who are prequalified under the request will be eligible to participate in a subsequent competitive solicitation for up to US$20M to be issued in 2020. To be eligible, proposers must identify at least one port facility, describe the current level of site control or ability to obtain site control and will be evaluated based on the demonstrated value and viability of the project.

New York Offshore Wind Alliance (NYOWA) director Joe Martens said, “Specialised port facilities are essential to the success of the fledgling offshore wind industry in the US. “NYOWA and its member organisations applaud New York State for initiating a process that will lead to strategic investments and infrastructure improvements that will maximise in-state jobs and economic development and make New York the offshore wind capital of the country.”