New York State to Bid for Offshore Wind Lease

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) will participate in the U.S. Department of Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s (BOEM) auction for a commercial offshore wind energy lease off the coast of Long Island.

Offshore wind is a critical component in meeting Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s aggressive clean energy goals, according to NYSERDA, including generating 50 percent of the state’s electricity from renewables by 2030. By taking this action to participate in the lease auction, NYSERDA will seek to ensure offshore wind in New York will be developed at the lowest possible cost for electricity consumers while protecting the environment and growing the economy.

“Offshore wind will bring clean energy and economic development to New York’s coastal communities, growing the state’s economy and supporting Governor Cuomo’s commitment to protecting the environment,” said John B. Rhodes, President and CEO, NYSERDA.

“Offshore wind offers our state great promise and NYSERDA is committed to ensuring this vast renewable energy resource is developed in a cost-effective way to augment New York’s energy infrastructure.”

The lease area is located south of Long Island, off the Rockaway Peninsula.

As part of its pre-development work, NYSERDA will produce environmental studies and a resource assessment and site characterization to further reduce project costs and impacts. NYSERDA will then package this work with a power purchase mechanism and select a project developer through a competitive process.

“The New York Power Authority, on behalf of the Long Island Power Authority and Consolidated Edison, originally proposed an offshore wind power project at this site and conducted initial assessments to confirm it was suitable for development. We are pleased to support NYSERDA as it will now advance what will be a transformational renewable energy project,” said Gil C. Quiniones, NYPA President and CEO.

“Harnessing offshore wind will not only help address growing energy needs, it will also offer the clean power more consumers are demanding as part of their energy mix.”

In his 2016 State of the State address, Governor Cuomo outlined his commitment to offshore wind by announcing the creation of an Offshore Wind Master Plan. BOEM’s announcement is the first step in furthering the state’s intentions to harness the power of clean, affordable offshore wind as part of its Reforming the Energy Vision strategy to build a cleaner, more resilient, and affordable energy system for all New Yorkers.