The New York State Public Service Commission has approved the export cable link from the 132MW South Fork offshore wind farm.
The 12km transmission line is the first approved project in New York State that will connect an offshore wind farm to the shore.
It will link the Orsted and Eversource project to a substation in the town of East Hampton in Suffolk County.
The link is expected to be operational by 2023.
The granting of a certificate of environmental compatibility and public need covers 5.6km of subsea cable in New York State territorial waters and a further 7.2km of underground cable from the shore at Wainscott Beach to the existing East Hampton substation.
The cable will need to be buried nine metres at a minimum below the surface of Wainscott Beach, while other conditions will limit construction periods to off-peak seasons to ensure construction-related impacts are minimised.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said: “When people say it’s never been done before, New York shows them how to get it done, and this transmission power line – the first of its kind in the state – will showcase what the future of energy will look like.
“Offshore wind is a critical component of our ambitious green energy vision, and this plan holds the blueprint that will move us a step closer to making this vision a reality.”
New York State Public Service Commission chair John Howard said: “Our decision today is one that hits all the right marks.
“With this decision, we demonstrate the clear need for the project while avoiding or minimising adverse environmental impacts.
“Further, this project will play a key role in developing much needed clean-energy on Long Island and helping New York achieve its nation-leading renewable energy goals.”