Officials in New York have gone to market seeking proposals from port operators and market participants for investment in and upgrading of the state’s waterfront facilities to service the offshore wind industry.
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, Empire State Development and the New York Department of Transportation on Wednesday issued a request for qualifications seeking proposals.
This RFQL is the first step in a two-phase process through which New York is seeking to pre-qualify proposers and then competitively select proposals for public-private investment opportunities in port infrastructure.
Pre-qualified bidders will be able to take part in a subsequent competitive solicitation for up to $200 million to be issued in 2020.
To be eligible, bidders “must identify at least one port facility and describe the current level of site control or ability to obtain site control, and will be evaluated based on the demonstrated value and viability of the project”, said NYSERDA.
The agency added that the state’s ports are expected to unlock billions in long-term local economic development potential and will serve as a hub for the broader US north-east region’s offshore wind industry.
Chief executive Alicia Barton (pictured) said: “Today’s announcement is a major step in advancing the next generation of infrastructure upgrades needed for New York’s ports to support this growing industry while helping us reach economies of scale faster, develop a domestic supply chain more quickly and efficiently, and utilize ports and support developments all along the East Coast.”
ESD CEO-designate Eric Gertler added: “Providing the proper infrastructure needed to advance Governor Cuomo’s nation-leading, off-shore wind program will ensure that New York State will lead the way towards a clean energy future which is estimated to create more than 1,600 jobs, result in $3.2 billion in economic activity and position New York State as an important hub of the nation’s growing off-shore wind industry.”