Ports part of massive US offshore wind drive

New York State’s second offshore wind solicitation seeks up to 2,500MW of projects, the largest in the history of the US, in addition to last year’s solicitation which resulted in nearly 1,700MW awarded. The solicitation includes a multi-port strategy and requirement for offshore wind generators to partner with any of the 11 prequalified New York ports to stage, construct, manufacture key components, or coordinate operations and maintenance activities.

This solicitation has the potential to bring New York State halfway toward its goal of 9,000MW of offshore wind by 2035. The solicitation will accept bids that combine offshore wind generation projects with investments in New York ports. Funding for port investments will include US$400m in both public and private funding.

Governor Andrew Cuomo said: “With these record-breaking solicitations for renewable energy and new port infrastructure, New York continues to lead the way with the most ambitious Green New Deal in the nation, creating a future fuelled by clean, renewable energy sources.”

The combined offshore wind and port solicitation marks an important next step in New York’s offshore wind program to build on the state’s first two offshore wind projects – Empire Wind and Sunrise Wind.

The 11 prequalified sites have the potential to support various supply chain end uses such as staging, installation, manufacturing and operations and maintenance.

Grant funding and debt financing will be offered.

In June, plans to construct the New Jersey Wind Port were announced, the first purpose-built offshore wind port in the US