New York governor proposes major offshore wind project

New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, in his 2017 State of the State address, proposed the establishment of a target of up to 2.4 GW of offshore wind by 2030, the largest commitment to offshore wind power in U.S. history. In his 2018 address, Cuomo called for a procurement of at least 800 MW of offshore wind power between two solicitations to be issued in 2018 and 2019, resulting in enough clean, renewable energy to power 400,000 New York households.

These solicitations will be the first in a set schedule to reach the 2030 target, will create competition among developers to build some of the largest offshore wind projects in the United States, and will ensure that the resulting jobs and economic development benefits accrue across the state.

In addition, Cuomo is directing the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to invest $15 million in clean energy workforce development and infrastructure advancement to train workers for jobs in this industry, including offshore wind construction, installation, operation, maintenance, design and associated infrastructure. To attract private investment in port infrastructure and supply chain activities, Cuomo is further directing NYSERDA to work with Empire State Development and other state agencies to determine the most promising public and private offshore wind port infrastructure investments. These new actions are designed jumpstart project development, drive job growth and industry investments, and secure New York's status as as leader in offshore wind industry in the U.S.

Cuomo also has proposed investment in new electricity transmission and storage systems for renewable energy distribution throughout New York.