South Fork Wind in New York gets approval for its construction plan
New York’s first offshore wind farm, South Fork Wind, received approval this week for its Construction and Operations Plan (COP) from the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM).
The project is now a go, as this was the final approval needed to move the project to the construction phase. The COP outlines the project’s one nautical mile turbine spacing, the construction methodology, and the mitigation measures to protect marine habitats and species.
The project, a joint venture developed by Orsted Offshore North America and Eversource Energy, will be located about 35 miles east of Montauk Point.
“We’re excited to reach this critical point and receive BOEM’s final approval of our Construction and Operations Plan,” David Hardy, CEO of Orsted Offshore North America, said. “As New York’s first offshore wind farm, South Fork Wind is already contributing to a new statewide and U.S. manufacturing era and maritime industry, including good-paying union jobs through our labor partnerships and vision for the industry. I want to thank Secretary Haaland, Governor Hochul, BOEM Director Lefton, NYSERDA CEO Harris, the NY State Legislature, the Long Island Power Authority, East Hampton’s elected leaders, and other partners who are championing offshore wind energy.”
The wind farm will deliver energy directly to the electric grid in the Town of East Hampton. It is expected to power approximately 70,000 homes when operations begin at the end of 2023.
“Today, after years of careful planning, we are on the cusp of making history as South Fork Wind, New York’s first-ever offshore wind farm, will soon become a reality,” Joe Nolan, CEO and President of Eversource Energy, said. “With onshore construction expected in the coming days, New Yorkers are closer than ever to realizing the benefits of clean energy as we continue to deliver on our promise of creating jobs, providing economic investment, and fighting climate change.”
Construction is expected to begin in the summer of 2023.
“This milestone underscores the tremendous opportunity we have to create a new industry from the ground up to drive our green energy economy, deliver clean power to millions of homes and create good jobs across the state,” New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said. “As we tackle climate change head-on and transition to a clean economy, these are the projects that will power our future.”
