Eversource and Orsted have selected Long Island-based contractor Haugland Energy Group to install the underground duct bank system and lead construction of the onshore interconnection facility for the 132MW South Fork offshore wind farm off the US east coast.
The agreement will create more than 100 union jobs for Long Island skilled trades workers, including heavy equipment operators, electricians, lineworkers, and local delivery drivers who will support transportation of materials to the project site.
In addition to Haugland Energy Group, several other local businesses will support the project’s construction activities and will prioritise local sourcing of construction materials, benefitting Long Island’s economy and further expanding the domestic offshore wind supply chain in New York State.
Eversource Energy president and chief executive Joe Nolan said: “Transmission is our expertise at Eversource, and together with Haugland Group, we will combine our decades of knowledge to ensure a smooth transition to clean, renewable energy for thousands of New Yorkers.
“We are excited to start this work soon and even more excited to be doing it hand in hand with local union labour.
New Yorkers are continuing to step up to combat climate change, and we are proud to be partnering with them to achieve their clean energy goals.”
Orsted Offshore North America chief executive David Hardy said: “This agreement is a critical step for South Fork Wind and for New York in advancing construction of its landmark first offshore wind project.
“Partnering with a local union contractor like Haugland Group is central to our commitment to continue building a new US offshore wind industry that provides good-paying jobs in and clean energy to the communities we serve.”
Haugland Group co-president Billy Haugland said: “Haugland Group could not be prouder to partner with Eversource and Orsted on the South Fork offshore wind project, which we hope to be the first of many successful enterprises as we build toward Long Island’s future.
“Embracing renewable energy resources like offshore wind are critical, not only to bolster Long Island’s infrastructure, but also to infuse our local community with tremendous economic growth as it provides new opportunities to our labor force, local businesses and contracting community.
“Haugland is honoured to help reshape Long Island’s utility landscape while providing clean energy to its residents.”