RWE and National Grid Answer New York Offshore Wind Call

January 26, 2024, by Adnan Durakovic

Community Offshore Wind, a joint venture of RWE and National Grid Ventures, has submitted a proposal to the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to develop 1.3 GW of new offshore wind capacity in response to New York’s expedited fourth competitive offshore wind solicitation.

This next phase of the project builds upon Community Offshore Wind’s provisional offtake award to deliver 1.3 GW of wind capacity as part of New York’s third solicitation for offshore wind. In total, the projects are expected to generate USD 4.4 billion in economic benefits to New York.

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Business & Finance

Combined with its provisionally awarded New York project, Community Offshore Wind is on track to deliver nearly USD 100 million in workforce and economic development investments, the developer said.

The new proposal includes nearly USD 50 million in funding for workforce and community initiatives, with a focus on creating opportunities for diverse New Yorkers and supporting local non-profit organizations.
The proposal also includes an investment of up to USD 10 million in the offshore wind supply chain, to help New York businesses prepare for the economic opportunities the growing industry will create. All of these commitments are contingent on NYSERDA’s final selections.

”Community Offshore Wind is committed to providing the renewable energy New Yorkers need and driving long-term, equitable economic growth,” said Doug Perkins, President and Project Director of Community Offshore Wind.

”The proposal we submitted today builds on the work we have already done to move us closer to Governor Hochul’s vision for a thriving clean energy economy that achieves New York’s climate change goals. Our community-first approach has received recognition as we seek to create new opportunities for people across the state, especially those in disadvantaged communities.”

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Planning & Permitting

As a part of its existing provisional award, Community Offshore Wind committed USD 38 million to environmental protection, wildlife and fisheries research, mitigation, and enhancement. The project also recently signed a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) that is expected to transform environmental monitoring for offshore wind projects and increase transparency between researchers and developers.

The latest would build on these investments, providing an additional USD 38 million for fisheries and environmental funding, the developer said.

”The Community Offshore Wind team brings a unique combination of technical expertise and local connections to New York. Not only do we know how to successfully deliver complex infrastructure projects, we also know how to ensure they bring meaningful benefits to the communities where we operate,” said Pat Johnson, Vice President and Deputy Project Director of Community Offshore Wind.

”This proposal lays out a plan to expand on phase one of our project to continue moving toward an equitable clean energy future with investments in local businesses, workforce development programs, and support for New Yorkers living in disadvantaged communities.”