Offshore Wind in New York
Source: New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)
Building New York’s Green New Economy with Offshore Wind
Long Island is poised to play a central role in the development of offshore wind (OSW) in New York State. Governor Cuomo has set an ambitious goal of 9,000 megawatts from OSW in New York by 2035, and at least three major OSW projects are to be sited off of Long Island. These projects offer the opportunity for significant economic development, creating a skilled green-economy workforce and establishing a foothold in what will be a major industry in the near future all while combating climate change and driving the state’s success in meeting its goal of 70 percent electricity from renewable energy by 2030.
The South Fork, Sunrise Wind, and Empire Wind projects will eventually power over one million homes, create more than 1,600 new jobs and pump $3.2 billion of private investment into our economy. OSW is vital to the growth of Long Island’s economy, workforce, and overall sustainability.
We are working with both union members and the public to support offshore wind development on Long Island. Our goal is for Long Island to become a model of OSW development in New York, with the workforce and infrastructure to support installation, operations and maintenance, power storage, and land-based connections and grids. To get there, we are building and strengthening the coalition of OSW allies, countering misinformation, and creating a training center to build the OSW workforce of the future.
Labor and responsible-contracting standards for renewable-energy and green sectors
As New York State continues its path towards recovery while simultaneously achieving the goals of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), the following priorities represent targeted ways to (1) drive bold climate action, (2) put New Yorkers back to work, and (3) make sure the jobs being created represent family-supporting community-sustaining middle-class careers.
Labor standards and responsible contracting are foundational as we push for bold investments in the green economy. Without overarching labor standards, jobs in new green sectors are at high risk of being low wages with limited career prospects. This would miss a once-in-a-generation opportunity for New York and would not provide the same type of workforce and community benefits as the outgoing fossil fuel industry. These standards include:
Prevailing wage requirements for all construction and building service workers
Labor peace/neutrality agreements for operations, maintenance, and manufacturing
Apprenticeship and labor-management training requirements
Ensuring good jobs for disadvantaged communities
Sample photograph of offshore wind farm
South ForK Wind Project At A Glance
What is it?
New York’s first offshore wind farm — with 15 turbines and a state-of-the-art transmission system that will generate enough clean energy to power 70,000 average homes and offset tons of emissions each year
Who’s behind it?
50/50 partnership between Ørsted and Eversource
When is it happening?
Expected to be operational by the end of 2023
Where is it?
35 miles east of Montauk Point, out of sight from Long Island beaches; the underground transmission system will deliver power to the local grid in the Town of East Hampton, NY
Why do it?
Power needs on the South Fork are growing faster than anywhere else on Long Island. In 2015, PSEG/LIPA issued a request for proposals to address this specific need, and more than 20 proposals were received. South Fork Wind was selected because it was part of a portfolio that was found to be the most cost-effective solution.
Source: South Fork Wind Project