Con Edison begins work on Brooklyn Clean Energy Hub
Con Edison is in the process of constructing the Brooklyn Clean Energy Hub, a transmission substation to meet the region’s growing demand for electricity and serve as a gateway for offshore wind power.
The hub will be able to accommodate up to 1,500 megawatts or enough electricity to power 750,000 homes. Also, it has the potential to serve as an interconnection point for 1,500 megawatts of offshore wind power, offering developers the opportunity to plug future projects into New York City’s grid.
“The Brooklyn Clean Energy Hub represents a major milestone in the clean energy transition and will strengthen our grid’s reliability,” Tim Cawley, Con Edison’s chairman and chief executive, said. “This project will offer a critical plug-in point to connect with offshore wind, while creating good jobs, supporting economic growth, and advancing New York’s climate goals.”
The project is located on the East River in the Vinegar Hill section of Brooklyn. It has the support of elected officials, community leaders, climate advocates, and labor officials.
“This project will demonstrate the economic power of the clean energy transition and the amazing skill of our unionized workers,” James Shillitto, the president of Local 1-2 of the Utility Workers Union of America, said. “The working relationship Local 1-2 has with Con Edison is going to make it possible for clean, renewable wind power to reach homes and businesses in New York City, displacing electricity generated by fossil fuels. Together we are creating jobs, economic growth, and a clean energy future.”
Barges will deliver some components and construction materials to the site, minimizing traffic on local streets.
“I applaud Con Edison for its commitment to a clean energy future with the development of the Brooklyn Clean Energy Hub,” state Senator Kevin Parker said. “This substation not only offers connections for offshore wind energy, but also represents a significant step toward achieving New York’s electric future. By investing in clean and renewable energy sources, we are not only protecting our environment but also creating much-needed union jobs and supporting economic growth in our communities.”
The Brooklyn Clean Energy Hub will distribute power via underground transmission lines to the planned Gateway Park Area Substation in Canarsie, Brooklyn, and other substations. It will also support the expansion of JFK Airport and the region’s economic growth. Further, it is built to withstand extreme weather.
“It’s all hands on deck when it comes to meeting New York’s ambitious climate targets, and the local distribution company plays a key role in cost-effectively integrating clean energy sources like offshore wind into the grid,” New York Offshore Wind Alliance Director Fred Zalcman said. “We applaud Con Edison’s creativity in helping overcome the physical and technical challenges of bringing offshore wind generation to New York City’s electric consumers through the Brooklyn Clean Energy Hub.”
Con Edison delivers electricity, natural gas and steam, and serves 3.6 million customers in New York City and Westchester County.
