RWE, National Grid propose to build 1.3 GW offshore wind facility in New York

RWE and National Grid Ventures submitted a proposal to build a new 1.3 gigawatts (GW) offshore wind project in New York.

The two companies are seeking to build the project they call Community Offshore Wind, which would power roughly 500,000 homes. The proposal was submitted to the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) in response to the state’s fourth competitive offshore wind solicitation.

“Community Offshore Wind is committed to providing the renewable energy New Yorkers need and driving long-term, equitable economic growth,” Doug Perkins, president and project director of Community Offshore Wind, said. “The proposal we submitted today builds on the work we have already done to move us closer to Governor Hochul’s vision for a thriving clean energy economy that achieves New York’s climate change goals. Our community-first approach has received recognition as we seek to create new opportunities for people across the state, especially those in disadvantaged communities.”

Community Offshore Wind is expected to deliver nearly $100 million in workforce and economic development investments. The proposal includes nearly $50 million in funding for workforce and community initiatives, which includes up to $15 million for supportive services for workers, including transportation and childcare to ensure all workers are able to pursue offshore wind careers; $20 million for the Powering Up Fund, to address gaps in workforce training and preparation, including programming identified by labor unions and workforce development organizations; and $4 million each for education and youth employment programming to prepare today’s students for the clean energy jobs of tomorrow.

In addition, the proposal features an investment of up to $10 million in the offshore wind supply chain, to help New York businesses prepare for the economic opportunities the growing industry will create.

“The Community Offshore Wind team brings a unique combination of technical expertise and local connections to New York. Not only do we know how to successfully deliver complex infrastructure projects; we also know how to ensure they bring meaningful benefits to the communities where we operate,” Pat Johnson, vice president and deputy project director of Community Offshore Wind, said. “This proposal lays out a plan to expand on phase one of our project to continue moving toward an equitable clean energy future with investments in local businesses, workforce development programs, and support for New Yorkers living in disadvantaged communities.”

RWE is one of the world’s largest offshore wind companies and a leading developer of offshore wind in the U.S. National Grid and its legacy companies have operated in New York for over 125 years and the company employs more than 5,000 people in the New York area.

Community Offshore Wind committed $38 million to environmental protection, wildlife and fisheries research, mitigation, and enhancement.