New York Launches 2-Gigawatt Offshore Wind Energy Development Solicitation

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority on July 27 issued its third offshore wind solicitation seeking at least 2,000 megawatts of the new generation capable of powering about 1.5 million homes and associated offshore renewable energy certificates.

The solicitation includes the first phase of a $500 million investment in offshore wind ports, manufacturing, and supply chain infrastructure. The offshore transmission configuration must be meshed-ready to strengthen reliability and provide redundancy. This will allow for greater flexibility in developing offshore wind projects in the future, saving about $55 million to $60 million annually. Bidders must also include an investment plan that would help the state establish support infrastructures such as ports, manufacturing, and other aspects of the offshore wind supply chain. Developers can apply for up to $300 million in state funds to localize component manufacturing and offshore wind staging and assembling as well as maintenance and operations ports.

New York is pursuing 9 gigawatts of offshore wind by 2035, enough to cover 30 percent of its electricity needs, as it strives to reach a zero-emission electricity grid by 2040. The state is also aiming for 70 percent renewable energy use by 2030. The state has already awarded contracts for more than 4,300 megawatts of offshore capacity to date. In January, the agency finalized contracts for the 1,260 megawatts Empire Wind 2 project and 1,230 megawatts Beacon Hill projects, which were selected during the second offshore wind solicitation.

Applicants have until Dec. 1 to register their intent to participate and proposals will be accepted until Dec 22. Awards are anticipated in the first quarter of 2023, with contracts expected in the second quarter. The agency will host a conference for proposers via webinar on Aug. 23.