Governor Kathy Hochul’s recent announcement awarding two offshore wind projects, Empire Wind I and Sunrise Wind, marks a groundbreaking moment for New York’s commitment to renewable energy and fighting climate change.
These visionary projects, developed by Equinor and Orsted, respectively, are not just ambitious in their scale, with a combined capacity of over 1,700 megawatts, but also in their socio-economic impact with more than 800 near-term, family-sustaining construction jobs expected.
Following the announcement, NYLCV released the following statement:
“There is no more urgent threat than climate change and no higher priority than ensuring the state meets its emissions reduction goals, which is why we are so pleased with the results of Governor Hochul’s expedited solicitation for large-scale renewable energy projects. The selection of Empire Wind and Sunrise Wind – two shovel-ready projects – will deliver the largest power generation New York has seen in 35 years along with hundreds of well-paying construction jobs and important buy-American provisions that will jumpstart the domestic renewable energy supply chain.
“It also delivers an unmistakable message: New York will not trade on our children’s future by retreating from the climate fight; instead, with over 1700 MW of clean power from these projects moving forward this year, it’s full speed ahead for offshore wind energy in the Empire State.”
With a $2 billion in near-term economic development investments, including a focus on disadvantaged communities, these projects are set to be a beacon of sustainable progress, and one that aligns with the state’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act) goal to develop 9,000 megawatts of offshore wind energy by 2035, a crucial step in achieving a zero-emissions electric grid.
“I promised to make New York a place for the renewable energy industry to do business, and we are delivering on that promise,” Governor Hochul said. “Offshore wind is foundational to our fight against climate change, and these awards demonstrate our national leadership to advance a zero-emissions electric grid at the best value to New Yorkers.”
Part of this initiative is the construction of one of the largest dedicated offshore wind port facilities in the United States at the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal. This is expected to create over 400 construction jobs, transforming a currently inactive 70-acre waterfront site in a disadvantaged community into a thriving hub for offshore wind.
We congratulate Ørsted and Equinor on these awards. With their expertise driving these projects, coupled with Governor Hochul’s steadfast leadership, New York remains a national leader in the fight against climate change.