New York State presses ahead with more offshore wind, unveils plan for fourth solicitation

The solicitations support the state’s progress toward achieving 9 GW of offshore wind by 2035, despite recent setbacks, and is part of an effort to ‘backfill’ capacity lost to inflation-hit projects.

For the next offshore wind solicitation, final proposals will be due on 25 January 2024, with award announcements expected by the end of February 2024.  

This fourth offshore wind solicitation will advance the actions set out by Governor Hochul in the State’s 10-Point Action Plan, which is designed to overcome macroeconomic and inflationary challenges that have affected the renewable energy sector. 

The plan for the state’s fourth round of offshore wind comes after the Public Service Commission rejected petitions from developers seeking billions of dollars in additional funding for four projects that were no longer viable due to the effects of inflation. Days after that decision, the state awarded deals for a trio of offshore wind projects with a combined capacity of in excess of 4 GW.

Talking about the plan for the latest solicitation, Governor Hochul said, “We remain committed in powering our state with affordable, zero-emissions and reliable electricity. The release of this expedited and competitive solicitation process demonstrates our commitment to ensuring New York remains the place for the renewable energy industry to do business.”  

New York Energy Research and Development Authority president and chief executive Doreen Harris said, “Through the timely issuance of these expedited solicitations, NYSERDA continues to adapt to changing market conditions to facilitate the renewable energy industry’s expanded pace of deployment in New York. 

“These competitive solicitations represent an opportunity to bring New York’s renewable energy projects into alignment with one another and the broader market, with an eye toward achieving our Climate Act goals at an affordable cost to consumers.”