Community Offshore Wind, a JV between RWE and National Grid Ventures, has submitted its full proposal to provide up to 2800MW of offshore wind for the State of New York.
If selected, the project would be built in two phases in the developer’s federal offshore wind lease area in the New York Bight.
New York has set a goal of achieving 70% renewable electricity statewide by 2030.
Community Offshore Wind’s proposal would see its first offshore wind power delivered in 2030 and both phases fully operational in 2032.
This would mark significant progress towards the state’s clean energy targets, at a key moment for New York to secure capacity to ensure grid reliability and build on the momentum of the burgeoning industry, the developer said.
The project’s large size will utilise two proposed interconnection points.
In Brooklyn, one phase of the scheme will interconnect at the ConEd Clean Energy Hub in the Vinegar Hill neighbourhood.
This phase could connect with the coordinated transmission solution for which the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) is currently evaluating proposals.
On Long Island, another phase would interconnect at the E.F. Barrett Power Station in Island Park, enabling a clean energy transition while securing long term tax revenue for Island Park and surrounding communities.
The project will connect to the transmission infrastructure constructed as part of New York Transco’s Propel NY Energy project, driving job growth and reducing local emissions.
The final proposal includes commitments to invest in and build up the New York economy, driving broader economic growth across the state.
The planned project will put nearly 700 New Yorkers to work, delivering up to US$300m in wages, and drive approximately US$3bn in economic activity, including over US$2bn in direct in-state spending.
Community Offshore Wind is committed to building a diverse, equitable and highly-skilled offshore wind workforce, including an unwavering commitment to New York’s union labour.
The project will utilise a union workforce for construction of the project, and will hire workers from disadvantaged communities to fill at least 35% of its direct jobs, the developer said.
Community Offshore Wind is supporting these commitments by investing US$64m in new job training, pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs to ensure more New Yorkers can access good-paying, family-sustaining union careers, it added.
Community Offshore Wind president and project director Doug Perkins said: “This large-scale offshore wind proposal offers an exceptional opportunity for New York to dramatically expand its clean energy capacity while simultaneously creating new economic opportunities for families and workers across the state.
“Offshore wind is necessary to meet rising energy demand and enable New York’s economic growth.
“Our project will help meet that demand with clean power while investing in new union job creation and the local supply chain.
“We are committed to working with NYSERDA to achieve Governor Hochul’s nation-leading clean energy goals and maintain New York’s leadership in offshore wind.”