Equinor and partner BP have been selected to deliver 2500MW of US offshore wind in New York’s latest renewables solicitation.
The Norwegian developer and UK oil and gas giant have won with bids for the 1260MW Empire Wind 2 and 1230MW Beacon Wind 1, which are in addition to the 816MW Empire Wind 1 that secured backing in an earlier round.
Execution of the procurement award is subject to the successful negotiation of a purchase and sale agreement, which the partnership will finalise with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).
As part of the award, Equnior and BP have agreed to redevelop the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal (SBMT) and the Port of Albany into large-scale offshore wind working industrial facilities.
“These projects will deliver homegrown, renewable electricity to New York and play a major role in the State’s ambitions of becoming a global offshore wind hub,” said Equinor chief executive Anders Opedal (pictured).
“The U.S. East Coast is one of the most attractive growth markets for offshore wind in the world.
“The successful bids for Empire Wind 2 and Beacon Wind 1 represent a game-changer for our offshore wind business in the U.S. and underline Equinor’s commitment to be a leading company in the energy transition.”
Equinor US boss Siri Espedal Kindem added: “Together, Equinor and the State of New York will create a robust offshore wind supply chain capable of manufacturing, assembling, and staging these projects at scale.
“We are looking forward to developing Empire Wind and Beacon Wind together with local authorities, communities and our incoming partner BP in growing this new industry.”