PROJECTS IN NEW YORK
New York State has released an Offshore Wind Master Plan that identifies several areas for offshore wind development off the coast of New York.
These areas were chosen based on years of collaboration with stakeholders on environmental, maritime, economic, and social issues, as well as 20 studies, including wildlife surveys to minimize impact on birds, whales, and other marine species. For each wind farm that will be developed off in New York, they must win a bid from NYS and conduct rigorous environmental review, including multiple opportunities for public comment, before a project begins construction.
Resources
Complete Fact Sheet | La Transición a Energía Renovable
Offshore Wind Frequently Asked Questions | Preguntas Más Comunes
How to Fight Climate Change with Offshore Wind
Offshore Wind & Whale Protection | Energía Eólica Costa Afuera y Protección de Ballenas
Understanding Ocean Sounds & Whales | Entendiendo ballenas y los sonidos oceánicos
South Fork Wind Farm
New York’s first offshore wind farm will be located 35 miles off the coast of Montauk and power 70,000 homes on the south fork of Long Island with renewable energy. This project was originally going to consist of 15 turbines generating 90 MW of power, but significant technological progress since the original project submission in 2015 will allow these turbines to provide an additional 40 MW of power to New Yorkers.
Unlike the rest of New York, where energy demand is decreasing, energy demand on the south fork has increased. New York had to make the decision to build a new fossil fuel power plant or build the state’s first offshore wind farm, coupled with battery storage. After years of overwhelming public support for wind, LIPA decided to choose the South Fork Wind Farm.
In January, 2021 the US Bureau of Energy Management released a draft Environmental Impact Statement for the South Fork Wind Farm. The final EIS and project approval is expected to be released by the end of the year. On January 18, 2022, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management approved the Construction and Operations Plan for the South Fork Wind Farm and South Fork Export Cable Project.
Sunrise Wind and Empire Wind Farms
In 2019, New York State awarded bids to two offshore farms that will provide a combined 1,700 MW of wind power to New York. These projects are due to be completed by 2024. The Sunrise Wind Farm will be located off the south shore of Long Island. This project is due to begin construction in 2023 and will generate 924 MW of power for 600,000 homes. The Empire Wind Farm will be located approximately 20 miles off the coast of the Rockaways and generate approximately 800 MW of energy, which will also power 500,000 homes.