New York's Third Offshore Wind Solicitation to Accelerate Clean Energy Development Seeks to Procure at Least 2,000 Megawatts of Renewable Energy, Enough to Power 1.5 Million Homes
July 27, 2022
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the release of New York's third competitive offshore wind solicitation, seeking enough clean, renewable energy to power at least 1.5 million New York homes. The procurement, administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, includes the first phase of the nation-leading $500 million investment in offshore wind ports, manufacturing, and supply chain infrastructure as announced in the Governor's 2022 State of the State. Today's announcement builds on a series of significant offshore wind developments for the State in 2022, including the groundbreaking of New York's first offshore wind project, and is a critical next step toward achieving New York's Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act) goal to develop 9,000 megawatts of offshore wind by 2035.
"New York is proud to continue leading the way in offshore wind development while establishing a blueprint for building a locally-based green economy," Governor Hochul said. "Today we are putting words into action and making it clear that New York State is the national hub of the offshore wind industry. The clean energy transition is driving significant private investment and family-sustaining jobs in communities across the state, and we are setting ourselves up for success with a brighter and more sustainable future."
New York State Energy Research and Development President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, "Releasing our third offshore wind solicitation provides a further opportunity to revolutionize our economy and continue to build a thriving offshore wind industry right here in New York as we continue to grow our nation-leading renewable energy project pipeline. We continue to prioritize a transition that is cost-effective, environmentally responsible, and benefits all New Yorkers - and we look forward to partnering with project developers who share those same goals."
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos said, "Building a cleaner, more sustainable, and resilient New York, requires bold action that will help us achieve our ambitious climate goals. A critical piece of that effort is offshore wind energy and New York's nation-leading work to ensure that industry continues to grow in our communities, creating jobs and providing clean, renewable energy for years to come."
Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight said, "New York is the country's leading offshore wind hub, and today's announcement further advances our ambitious clean energy goals. We are committed to clean energy and public-private partnerships that will fuel economic development and growth while moving New Yorkers toward a green future."
New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, "I applaud Governor Hochul for energizing our bold, nation-leading expansion of New York State's clean energy sector. By placing a priority on prevailing wage and labor agreements, we are creating strong career opportunities for New Yorkers statewide and remaining true to our commitment of a responsible and just transition."
As the nation's leading hub for offshore wind, New York State is seeking to procure at least 2,000 megawatts of offshore wind energy through a diverse set of project proposals while leveraging public and private capital to build a robust supply chain. In addition to the first phase of the State's $500 million investment in ports, manufacturing and supply chain infrastructure, additional notable provisions within the solicitation include:
Introducing a first of its kind "meshed ready" offshore transmission configuration, based on recommendations from the New York State Power Grid Study, which will facilitate offshore wind projects' transition to a future system that can grow over time and provide greater reliability and flexibility while setting New Yorkers up to save approximately $55-$60 million annually;
Awarding evaluation points for repurposing existing downstate fossil-based electric generation infrastructure and utilizing energy storage to enhance future system reliability and support more renewable energy on the grid;
Emphasizing in-state manufacturing, inclusive economic development and climate equity, fostering relationships with New York's workforce including construction backed by prevailing wage, and encouraging project labor agreements;
In promoting the intent of the New York Buy American Act, the solicitation sets a minimum U.S. iron and steel purchase requirement for all projects awarded under the solicitation to encourage domestic steel production and requiring developers to provide opportunities for U.S.-based steel suppliers to participate in the growing offshore wind industry;
Enhancing stakeholder engagement, tracking, and requirements for New York jobs; and
Continuing support for responsible development through environmental and fisheries mitigation plans and the requirement to support monitoring of fisheries and wildlife to better understand the interactions with offshore wind projects.
Interested proposers can apply on NYSERDA's offshore wind solicitation page. Proposals are due on December 22, 2022, by 3:00 p.m. A webinar will be held on August 23, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. to provide more information on this solicitation. Those interested in the webinar can sign up here, and are encouraged to register and submit questions in advance to offshorewind@nyserda.ny.gov.
To ensure that the procurement advances New York's offshore wind goals in a thoughtful, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible manner to the benefit of all New Yorkers, a draft version of this solicitation was released for public comment in March 2022 and a follow-up Request for Information in May 2022, with over 1,300 comments received. NYSERDA has incorporated the feedback received into the solicitation.
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