By Blake Jackson
New York State Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced significant progress in the state's offshore wind industry.
This includes the groundbreaking of Sunrise Wind, the state's largest offshore wind project to date, and the launch of New York's fifth offshore wind solicitation.
Sunrise Wind, a 924-megawatt project developed by Ørsted, will provide clean energy to power nearly 600,000 homes upon completion.
The project will create over 800 direct jobs during construction and is expected to bring substantial economic benefits to Long Island, including a $700 million investment in Suffolk County.
Notably, the project will be built under industry-leading project labor agreements, ensuring local union labor's participation in all construction phases.
“We're growing New York's green economy, building clean energy, and expanding economic opportunities for all New Yorkers,” Governor Hochul said. “By breaking ground on Sunrise Wind and advancing the next wave of offshore wind projects, New York is passing a tremendous milestone to combat climate change. These projects will create good-paying union jobs and demonstrate that New York is leading the nation to build the offshore wind industry.
This momentum is further amplified by the launch of New York's fifth offshore wind solicitation. This competitive process, administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), seeks proposals for new offshore wind projects.
The solicitation includes provisions to ensure a fair and responsible development process, such as considering factors like inflation, labor practices, stakeholder engagement, and disadvantaged community commitments.
NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris called Sunrise Wind a catalyst for job creation and economic benefits for local communities. "Today’s shovels in the ground, paired with the launch of New York’s fifth offshore wind solicitation, marks yet another step forward in advancing offshore wind in New York State, and realizing the potential of this powerhouse industry in accelerating the State’s energy transition and growing our economy," she stated.
The focus on clean energy development has garnered support from various stakeholders. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer highlighted the project's job creation potential and clean energy benefits. "Today’s groundbreaking marks the start of construction on Sunrise Wind—New York’s largest job-creating and clean-energy producing offshore wind project that will change the energy landscape in New York for the better," he said.
Environmental groups also praised the initiative. Julie Tighe, President of the New York League of Conservation Voters, emphasized the project's contribution to a clean energy future. "Today’s groundbreaking for Sunrise Wind coupled with NYSERDA's 5th competitive solicitation for offshore wind energy projects is an exciting moment as the state marches toward a clean energy future," she remarked.
This announcement signifies a major step forward for New York's clean energy ambitions. The development of Sunrise Wind and the launch of the fifth solicitation position the state as a leader in offshore wind energy, promoting economic growth, job creation, and a sustainable future.
Categories: New York, Energy