The Vineyard Wind joint venture, Norwegian energy company Equinor and a partnership between Orsted and Eversource have all officially announced the submission of bids in New York’s debut offshore wind solicitation for about 800MW of capacity.
Vineyard Wind, a joint venture of Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners and Avangrid, submitted plans to the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority for an up to 1200MW offshore wind farm called Liberty Wind.
The proposal includes 400MW, 800MW and 1.2GW size options located 137km from the shore.
Vineyard Wind said it is collaborating with transmission developer Anbaric Development Partners, with the former financing and owning the generation components and Anbaric financing and owning the grid assets.
Vineyard Wind chief executive Lars Thaaning Pedersen said: “Our team’s extensive offshore wind experience from around the world and nearby in New England, where we are building the nation’s first utility scale offshore wind project, allows us to deliver the best project for New York.
“Liberty Wind will bring clean energy at the lowest price to New York ratepayers along with substantial economic benefits for the state through investments in local infrastructure and businesses and by utilising the state’s existing supply chain and workforce.”
Equinor Wind US said it had submitted a bid for its up to 1GW Empire Wind lease site located off the shore New York and New Jersey.
The company secured the 32,374-hectare lease between 22km and 56km off the coast in a federal auction in December 2016.
Equinor Wind US president Christer af Geijerstam said: “Submitting this offer to provide New York with a steady supply of offshore wind is both a major step forward in the development process of the Empire Wind project and an important milestone for New York’s transition to renewable energy.
“Our project can make a major contribution toward fulfilling New York’s robust renewable energy goals, and the emissions reductions and economic impacts of our bid provide a clear benefit to New Yorkers.
“We look forward to working with the state as we turn that potential into a tangible asset that the people of New York can rely on for energy well into the future.”
Orsted and Eversource have also submitted an official bid with a project called Sunrise Wind, which will be located 48km east of Montauk Point.
The Sunrise Wind team has also signed a memorandum of understanding with Con Edison Transmission, which will support the development of grid facilities for the project.
Orsted US chief executive Thomas Brostrom said: “We are confident that Sunrise Wind will not only offer New Yorkers an opportunity to provide national leadership in building a carbon-free energy grid, but also create significant job and economic development opportunities for Long Island and upstate New York.”
Eversource executive vice president for enterprise energy strategy and business development Lee Olivier said: “Eversource is proud to partner with Ørsted, which shares in our mission to deliver reliable power to millions of customers, as efficiently as possible and using the most sustainable technologies and methods available.
“Governor Cuomo’s aim to reach 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040 is a commendable goal, and Sunrise Wind will play a key role in helping New York reach this tremendous milestone.”
Con Edison Transmission chief executive Joseph Oates said: “This project is a vital step in helping to meet our state’s ambitious and essential clean energy goals.
“We’re excited to be supporting the development of the transmission system that will bring this important resource to New Yorkers.”
It is also understood that Shell and EDF Renewables joint venture Atlantic Shores is likely to bid, with the Shell/EDPR Mayflower scheme also interested.
Bids are due this month with a decision on the award due in the spring.