Offshore wind is a component of the Governor's mandate to generate 50 percent of the state's electricity needs from renewable energy sources by 2030.
To launch the Governor's directive to procure at least 800 MW of offshore wind, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority has filed an Offshore Wind Policy Options Paper with the New York State Public Service Commission. In this paper, NYSERDA analyzes different options to contract for offshore wind projects in a cost-effective manner, which will drive timely project development.
The Governor also announced a $15 million commitment to train the local workforce for the jobs needed to build offshore wind and develop port infrastructure. As the next step, Cuomo is calling on NYSERDA to work with other necessary state agencies to ensure that labor standards, prevailing wage, or other measures are appropriately implemented to produce quality, well-paying clean energy jobs for New Yorkers.
Workforce Opportunity of Offshore Wind in New York, one of the studies supporting the Master Plan, found that through a robust and regional offshore wind industry, New York's workforce and infrastructure could benefit from more than $6 billion of public and private sector expenditures. The industry could also expect to create 2,000 jobs in operations and maintenance, 2,700 jobs in manufacturing, and 350 jobs in project management and development.
"While the federal government continues to turn its back on protecting natural resources and plots to open up our coastline to drilling, New York is doubling down on our commitment to renewable energy and the industries of tomorrow," Governor Cuomo said. "We are drawing upon our world-class workforce, unmatched intellectual capital, physical infrastructure and financial institutions to develop this increasingly affordable clean energy source that creates good paying jobs while protecting Long Island's natural beauty and quality of life."
New York's Offshore Wind Master Plan is the first of its kind in the nation. New York released the Offshore Wind Master Plan after two years of in-depth research, analysis, and outreach, which charts a course toward achieving the Governor's bold offshore wind energy objectives. The process has included extensive public stakeholder engagement with those directly involved in offshore wind and those who are affected or stand to benefit from its development, including the labor and business communities, environmental organizations, project developers, manufacturers, the commercial and recreational fishing industries, and the general public. The state has conducted hundreds of meetings and consultations, seven public information sessions, and four open houses focused on the fishing industry.
NYSERDA will continue its stakeholder engagement by hosting two public webinars on Tuesday, February 13 from 1 - 2 p.m. and 6 - 7 p.m. to provide an overview of the Offshore Wind Master Plan and the next steps that New York will take to advance offshore wind development. Pre-registration is required to join the webinar - please click here for more information.
For more information on New York's Offshore Wind Master Plan and related studies, visit the NYSERDA website.
