New York unveils offshore wind master plan

New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo released Monday the New York State Offshore Wind Master Plan, which is designed to support the development of 2.4 gigawatts of offshore wind power by 2030.

Cuomo also announced in his 2018 State of the State address that New York would issue solicitations in 2018 and in 2019 for a total of at least 800 megawatts of offshore wind power. A $15 million commitment for training the local workforce jobs building offshore wind and developing port infrastructure was also announced.

“While the federal government continues to turn its back on protecting natural resources and plots to open up our coastline to drilling, New York is doubling down on our commitment to renewable energy and the industries of tomorrow,” Cuomo said. “We are drawing upon our world-class workforce, unmatched intellectual capital, physical infrastructure and financial institutions to develop this increasingly affordable clean energy source that creates good-paying jobs while protecting Long Island’s natural beauty and quality of life.”

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority recently filed an Offshore
Wind Policy Options Paper, which analyzing various options for contracting for offshore wind projects, with the New York State Public Service Commission to support Governor’s directive to procure 800 megawatts of offshore wind in 2018 and 2019.

“New York has seized the moment to not only address the global climate crisis but also take advantage of the economic and environmental rewards that renewable energy can deliver,” Richard L. Kauffman, chairman of energy and finance for New York, said. “The Master Plan is a real demonstration of New York’s leadership on offshore wind, and will support the responsible and affordable development of a resource that will provide enormous benefits for all New Yorkers.”

Cuomo’s Reforming the Energy Vision requires that 50 percent of the state’s electricity needs come from renewable resources by 2030.