New York officials on Wednesday issued the state’s third and largest-ever offshore wind energy solicitation, seeking proposals for up to 4.8 GW in new projects on federal leases in the New York Bight.
The state has already contracted 4.3 GW in OSW projects toward meeting the 2035 goal of 9 GW set in the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA).
“New York is proud to continue leading the way in offshore wind development while establishing a blueprint for building a locally-based green economy,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement. “Today we are putting words into action and making it clear that New York state is the national hub of the offshore wind industry.”
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is seeking proposals by Dec. 22 to award OSW renewable energy certificates (ORECs) next spring of between 2-4.8 GW.
In its call, NYSERDA cited the CLCPA and its final supplemental generic environmental impact statement (SGEIS) issued in September 2020, which concluded that, since the lease areas comprise only 3% of the Bight, effects on fishing and marine life would be minimal.
The solicitation includes the first phase of $500 million planned to be invested in ports, manufacturing and supply chain infrastructure; it introduces a first-of-its-kind “meshed ready” offshore transmission configuration, as required by the Public Service Commission in January. (See NYPSC Mandates Meshed Offshore Tx Grids.)
Officials will award evaluation points for proposals that repurpose downstate fossil-based generation infrastructure or use energy storage to enhance future system reliability.
In accord with the New York Buy American Act, the solicitation sets a minimum U.S. iron and steel purchase requirement for all projects awarded and requires developers to provide opportunities for U.S.-based steel suppliers to participate in the growing OSW industry.
NYSERDA will hold a webinar on August 23 to address eligibility criteria, submission requirements, the proposal evaluation process, contract commitments, and the post-award process and agreement.