COMMUNITY OFFSHORE WIND PROPOSES 2800MW BOOST FOR NY CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE
Industry NewsSource - reNews - RWE, National Grid file 2.8GW NY bid
Community Offshore Wind, a joint venture between RWE and National Grid Ventures, has formally submitted a proposal to provide up to 2800MW of offshore wind energy for the State of New York. The project is aimed at advancing the state’s clean energy goals, particularly the target of achieving 70% renewable electricity by 2030.
If selected, the offshore wind project will be developed in two phases within the federal offshore lease area located in the New York Bight. The first phase is expected to deliver wind power by 2030, with both phases fully operational by 2032, marking a significant milestone in New York's journey toward renewable energy.
According to the developer, this large-scale project is crucial for enhancing grid reliability and maintaining momentum in New York’s growing offshore wind industry. The project will leverage two proposed interconnection points to connect to the state’s electrical grid.
One phase of the project is set to interconnect at the ConEd Clean Energy Hub in the Vinegar Hill neighborhood of Brooklyn. This phase could also link up with the New York Independent System Operator’s (NYISO) coordinated transmission solution, which is currently under evaluation. On Long Island, the second phase will interconnect at the E.F. Barrett Power Station in Island Park, supporting the clean energy transition while providing long-term tax benefits to the local community.
In addition to its contribution to the state’s renewable energy capacity, the project will connect to infrastructure developed under New York Transco’s Propel NY Energy project, which will promote job growth and lower emissions across the region.
Community Offshore Wind's proposal outlines its commitment to fostering economic development throughout New York, promising to create nearly 700 jobs for New Yorkers, with an estimated $300 million in wages. The overall economic impact is expected to reach approximately $3 billion, including over $2 billion in direct in-state spending.
The project will also prioritize building a diverse and skilled offshore wind workforce, with a focus on equity. The developer has pledged to use union labor for construction and to hire workers from disadvantaged communities to fill at least 35% of direct jobs. To support these goals, Community Offshore Wind is investing $64 million in job training, pre-apprenticeship, and apprenticeship programs aimed at preparing New Yorkers for well-paying, unionized careers.
Doug Perkins, president and project director of Community Offshore Wind, emphasized the significance of this proposal. He stated, “This large-scale offshore wind proposal offers an exceptional opportunity for New York to dramatically expand its clean energy capacity while simultaneously creating new economic opportunities for families and workers across the state.”
Perkins also highlighted the role of offshore wind in meeting the state’s growing energy demands, adding "Offshore wind is necessary to meet rising energy demand and enable New York’s economic growth. Our project will help meet that demand with clean power while investing in new union job creation and the local supply chain. We are committed to working with NYSERDA to achieve Governor Hochul’s nation-leading clean energy goals and maintain New York’s leadership in offshore wind."