SOURCE:
https://libn.com/2022/07/28/nys-announces-third-offshore-wind-solicitation/
By: Adina Genn - July 28, 2022
New York State is launching its third offshore wind solicitation.
Gov. Kathy Hochul on Wednesday that the state seeks to procure 2,000 megawatts of clean, renewable energy that would power at least 1.5 million New York homes.
Part of the first phase of the state’s $500 million investment in offshore wind ports, manufacturing, and supply chain infrastructure, the procurement is administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.
The state aims to develop 9,000 megawatts of offshore wind as part of New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.
The state is supporting “offshore wind development while establishing a blueprint for building a locally-based green economy,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement on Wednesday. “The clean energy transition is driving significant private investment and family-sustaining jobs in communities across the state, and we are setting ourselves up for success with a brighter and more sustainable future.”
“Releasing our third offshore wind solicitation provides a further opportunity to revolutionize our economy and continue to build a thriving offshore wind industry right here in New York as we continue to grow our nation-leading renewable energy project pipeline,” New York State Energy Research and Development President and CEO Doreen Harris said in a statement. “We continue to prioritize a transition that is cost-effective, environmentally responsible, and benefits all New Yorkers – and we look forward to partnering with project developers who share those same goals.”
Renewable energy advocates said offshore wind is promising for Long Island, both on an economic and environmental front.
“When renewable energy gets built, operated and manufactured by unionized workers, it is good for the planet, good for working families, and builds vibrant local communities,” Long Island, Climate Jobs NY Regional Director Mariah Dignan said in a statement.
Dignan said her organizations is “encouraged by the priorities outlined in the state’s third offshore wind solicitation and looks forward to working with bidders to ensure project development and supply chain investment plans are creating good union jobs throughout the industry.”
Citizens Campaign for the Environment Executive Director Adrienne Esposito said that procurement “of an additional 2,000 megawatts of offshore wind will continue New York’s path as a national leader in the fight against climate change.”
She noted that “New York and Long Island are on the front lines of the climate crisis, sea level rise, torrential rain storms, hurricanes and flooding have devastated our coastal communities. Offshore wind is one of our most critical tools we have to fight climate change and the time to act is now. Transitioning away from fossil fuels is one of the greatest legacies we can leave the next generation.”
Due Dec. 22 at 3 p.m., proposals can be submitted on NYSERDA’s offshore wind solicitation page. A webinar will be held on Aug. 23 at 10 a.m. to provide more information on this solicitation. Those interested in the webinar can sign up here, and are encouraged to register and submit questions in advance to offshorewind@nyserda.ny.gov.