On February 13th New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) hosted two public webinars to provide an overview of the New York State Offshore Wind Master Plan
….and the next steps that New York State will take to advance offshore wind energy development. To spur the development of renewable resources, Governor Cuomo announced in his 2018 State of the State address that the state will issue solicitations in 2018 and in 2019 for a combined total of at least 800 megawatts of offshore wind power. You can read and download the 53-page comprehensive Offshore Wind Master Plan here.
Introduction to the New York State Offshore Wind Master Plan
In light of the Clean Energy Standard mandate, and recognizing the enormous potential renewable energy resource that exists off of its Atlantic coast, New York has set its sights squarely on offshore wind energy as a key component of the State’s clean energy strategy. Governor Cuomo directed the State to engage community members, environmental advocates, and government partners at all levels to create the New York Offshore Wind Master Plan.2 Then, as part of his 2017 State of the State Address, Governor Cuomo set a nation-leading offshore wind energy development goal of 2,400 MW by 2030, enough to power up to 1.2 million New York households.
Taking the first step to reach this goal, Governor Cuomo, in his 2018 State of the State Address, called for the procurement of at least 800 megawatts (MW) of offshore wind power between two solicitations to be issued in 2018 and 2019. In addition, Governor Cuomo directed NYSERDA to invest $15 million in clean energy workforce development and infrastructure advancement to train workers for jobs in this good-paying industry, including offshore wind construction, installation, operation, maintenance, design, and associated infrastructure. After two years of in-depth research, analysis, and outreach, New York State presents its Offshore Wind Master Plan (Master Plan)—the most comprehensive offshore wind planning process to be undertaken by any state, which charts a course toward achievement of the State’s bold offshore wind energy objectives.