Orsted and Eversource’s 942MW Sunrise Wind project off the coast of New York has received approval of its construction and operations plan (COP) from the US Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM).
The paperwork is the final permit needed from the federal agency to move the project towards the start of offshore construction.
The wind farm will generate enough renewable energy to power nearly 600,000 New York homes, said Orsted.
The COP approval outlines the project’s one nautical mile turbine spacing, the requirements for the construction methodology for all work occurring in federal ocean waters, and mitigation measures to protect marine habitats and species.
The thumbs up is in line with BOEM’s permitting timeline and follows the agency’s issuance of its Record of Decision in March 2024, which concluded the BOEM-led environmental review of the project.
The developers reached these provisions and protections working closely with a range of external organisations and experts, a commitment the companies carry to all stakeholder relationships to help ensure coexistence.
“Sunrise Wind is a centrepiece of New York’s clean energy vision, and with this final federal approval, we can officially put the construction phase in motion,” said Orsted’s executive vice president and chief executive of region Americas David Hardy, at.
He added: “BOEM’s approval is an important milestone not just for New York but also for America’s domestic energy sector. We’re grateful for the continued leadership of BOEM director Elizabeth Klein and all the federal, state, and local leaders who are committed to offshore wind.
“Sunrise Wind builds on our success with South Fork Wind and will deliver more jobs, economic development, and clean energy to New York.”
Sunrise Wind recently finalised its agreements with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority on the project’s 25-year offshore wind renewable energy certificate contract.
The project team will now accelerate work on the onshore transmission system, with offshore construction ramping up later this year at the project site approximately 30 miles (approximately 48km) east of Montauk, New York. The project is expected to be operational in 2026.
“The approval of the Sunrise Wind Construction and Operations Plan is a significant step forward not only for this project but also for offshore wind in the United States,” said American Clean Power Association President for Offshore Wind Anne Reynolds.
She added: “Sunrise Wind will harness natural wind resources to make clean electricity, reduce carbon emissions, and power nearly 600,000 homes for New Yorkers.
“It will also create local jobs and strengthen the grid. This approval underscores the substantial economic and environmental benefits of offshore wind as America’s next great energy resource.
“We applaud BOEM for their diligent work in getting this project across the finish line.”