New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on July 17 announced the opening of the state’s fifth offshore wind solicitation, a competitive effort to be overseen by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).  

Proposals will be required to abide by state-mandated labor, “buy American” and environmental mitigation measures.  

“Today’s fifth offshore wind solicitation announcement is crucial to achieving New York’s clean energy goals,” Mario Cilento, president of the New York AFL-CIO, said in a press release. “We commend Governor Hochul for her commitment to ensuring that union members play a pivotal role in manufacturing, constructing, operating and maintaining New York’s clean energy future.”  

NYSERDA is seeking to procure Offshore Wind Renewable Energy Certificates as authorized under a series of orders from the state’s Public Service Commission (DPS) to support the goals of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA).  

The CLCPA requires the state to achieve 70% renewable energy by 2030 and install 9 GW of offshore wind by 2035. A report from NYSERDA and DPS anticipates that the state will miss the 2030 goal but suggests that catching up is possible by 2033. 

To be eligible for evaluation NYSERDA requires projects to be deliverable to New York City or Long Island and deliver a minimum offer capacity of 800 MW. NYSERDA will select no more than two projects delivering electricity via HVDC to New York City. The agency did not cap the number of projects that may deliver power to Long Island. 

The news came at the same time Gov. Hochul announced the start of construction for the 924-MW Sunrise Wind Project, approximately 30 miles east off the coast of Montauk, N.Y., on Long Island. Project developer Ørsted expects Sunrise will be completed in 2026 and that the project will support 800 jobs during construction.  

“We’re growing New York’s green economy, building clean energy and expanding economic opportunities for all New Yorkers,” Hochul wrote in a press release. “By breaking ground on Sunrise Wind and advancing the next wave of offshore wind projects, New York is passing a tremendous milestone to combat climate change. These projects will create good-paying union jobs and demonstrate that New York is leading the nation to build the offshore wind industry.” 

Applications are due by 3 p.m. ET Sept. 9. A webinar for interested parties will be held at 10 a.m. July 22. Registration is available here.