“We're growing New York's green economy, building clean energy, and expanding economic opportunities for all New Yorkers,” Hochul said. “By breaking ground on Sunrise Wind and advancing the next wave of offshore wind projects, New York is passing a tremendous milestone to combat climate change. These projects will create good-paying union jobs and demonstrate that New York is leading the nation to build the offshore wind industry."
The project will be located approximately 30 miles east of Montauk, New York, with an approved transmission route connecting to the State’s electricity grid at the Holbrook Substation in the Town of Brookhaven in Suffolk County.
U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Director Elizabeth Klein said, “Today's event is further proof that U.S. offshore wind energy is now a concrete reality. With an estimated 924 MW capacity to power hundreds of thousands of New York homes annually, Sunrise Wind represents a significant step toward achieving the Biden-Harris administration’s and New York’s ambitious offshore wind energy goals. BOEM is proud to join the State of New York and Ørsted in celebrating this milestone as we work together for a cleaner energy future, while providing good paying jobs and ensuring economic opportunities are accessible to all communities.”
As a mature project, Sunrise Wind has already completed all major federal and state permitting milestones and received approval of its Construction and Operations Plan (COP) from the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) on June 21, 2024.
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “I congratulate Ørsted on this momentous groundbreaking of Sunrise Wind, a catalyst for creating new family-sustaining job opportunities and bringing significant economic benefits to local communities. Today’s shovels in the ground, paired with the launch of New York’s fifth offshore wind solicitation, marks yet another step forward in advancing offshore wind in New York State, and realizing the potential of this powerhouse industry in accelerating the State’s energy transition and growing our economy.”
Sen. Chuck Schumer said, “Today’s groundbreaking marks the start of construction on Sunrise Wind—New York’s largest job-creating and clean-energy producing offshore wind project that will change the energy landscape in New York for the better.”
Empire State Development President CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “The start of construction on Sunrise Wind marks a pivotal moment in New York's clean energy journey. This project not only advances our ambitious climate goals but also catalyzes significant economic growth, creating hundreds of good-paying jobs and driving substantial investment across the state. It's a testament to New York's leadership in the offshore wind industry and our commitment to building a sustainable, prosperous future for all New Yorkers.”
