Governor Cuomo Announces Release of New York State Offshore Wind Blueprint
Plan Outlines Strategic Approach to Responsibly Develop Offshore Wind Resources and Meet Clean Energy Standard Commitment of 50-Percent Renewables by 2030
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo recently announced the release of the New York
State Offshore Wind Blueprint. First announced in the 2016 State of the
State address, the strategic plan will advance the development of offshore
wind along New York’s coastline. New York State is home to some
of the world’s strongest offshore wind resources, which will contribute
to the Governor’s aggressive mandate to supply 50 percent of the
state’s electricity from renewable energy resources by 2030.
"New York is a national leader in combating climate change and now
we are taking the next big step forward,”
Governor Cuomo said. “By developing a viable offshore wind energy source, we will continue
to provide New Yorkers with clean, affordable power and lay the foundation
for a thriving clean energy economy. This plan represents the future of
New York and will cement our role as a leader in the renewable energy
industry for generations to come.”
The
Blueprint creates a framework for the responsible development of robust wind energy
generation off the coast of New York through a comprehensive Offshore
Wind Master Plan. To lead on offshore wind development in the U.S. and
ensure responsiveness to the communities involved, New York State is committed
to responding to feedback from a wide range of stakeholders, including
energy consumers, utilities, environmental groups, coastal communities,
commercial fisherman and the maritime industry. The Blueprint covers current
and planned environmental studies, and strategic options to support sustainable
and properly-sited offshore wind development, including site characterization
and site assessment work.
The Blueprint also defines the New York Offshore Study Area and identifies
Wind Energy Areas outside of the study area that will be reviewed with
respect to grid interconnection, costs, and benefits they may bring to
New York. All of these options will be included in the final Offshore
Wind Master Plan, expected at the end of 2017.
Chairman of Energy and Finance for New York Richard Kauffman said, "The Blueprint is a critical step to ensure New York State will realize
its aggressive clean energy goals under Governor Cuomo’s leadership.
Offshore wind will be a critical contributor to achieving the State’s
Clean Energy Standard mandate to serve 50 percent of the state’s
electricity demand from renewable resources by 2030."
In June, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority
announced its intention to participate in the Department of the Interior’s
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management auction for an 81,000-acre Wind Energy
Area located 12 miles off the Long Island coast. NYSERDA is the first
state entity to participate in a BOEM auction. If it were to win the auction,
NYSERDA would be able to lead the development and timing of the site’s
progress, ensuring that any project will be developed at the lowest possible
cost for electricity consumers while protecting the environment and growing
the economy. The Blueprint will help inform NYSERDA on this auction process.
As part of its pre-development work, NYSERDA will produce environmental
studies and a resource assessment and site characterization to further
reduce project costs and impacts. NYSERDA will then package this work
with a power purchase mechanism and select a project developer through
a competitive process. This strategy minimizes project risks and provides
developers certainty to secure financing, maximizing competition and ultimately
lowering project costs for consumers.
Additionally, as part of New York's commitment to address concerns
over possible offshore wind impacts, NYSERDA is undertaking the world’s
largest-ever digital aerial survey of offshore wildlife. The first round
of survey flights ended in August. The survey of a 16,000-square-mile
area off the Long Island coast will provide baseline data on offshore
wildlife. Aerial, high-resolution digital still imagery will be used to
collect data on birds, marine mammals, sea turtles, fish and other wildlife
encountered offshore. Surveys will be conducted four times a year over
three years using the latest digital and sensor technology in coordination
with visual surveys planned by other state and federal entities.
President and CEO of NYSERDA John B. Rhodes said, “Offshore wind offers significant potential to help New York State
meet Governor Cuomo's nation-leading 50 percent renewable power goal
by 2030. This blueprint lays out how New York will responsibly harness
clean and cost-effective energy from offshore wind, and drive clean energy
development to benefit all New Yorkers and fight the dangers of climate
change.”
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner
Basil Seggos said, "Responsibly sited renewable energy developments are a critical part
of the state’s comprehensive efforts to tackle climate change. Through
creation of the draft Ocean Action Plan, DEC and partners have continued
to work with many stakeholders to identify sensitive offshore habitats
that potential energy developments should avoid. We look forward to working
with NYSERDA, DOS, the commercial fishing industry and other partners
as this process advances to ensure potential energy developments do not
degrade our economically important marine ecosystem."
New York Secretary of State Rossana Rosado said, “I applaud Governor Cuomo for his commitment to making New York
State a leader in renewable energy. This blueprint provides the State
with a clear path to clean and affordable offshore wind energy that will
benefit New York’s communities for generations to come. The Department
of State looks forward to leading the State’s efforts on the BOEM
Offshore Renewable Energy Task Force as we ensure that offshore wind leasing
moves forward efficiently and in the most appropriate locations. ”
About Reforming the Energy Vision
Reforming the Energy Vision is Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s strategy
to lead on climate change and grow New York's economy. REV is building
a cleaner, more resilient and affordable energy system for all New Yorkers
by stimulating investment in clean technologies like solar, wind, and
energy efficiency, in part through the recent adoption of New York’s
Clean Energy Standard which requires that 50% of the state's electricity
needs be generated from renewable energy sources by 2030. Already, REV
has driven 600% growth in the statewide solar market, enabled over 105,000
low-income households to permanently cut their energy bills with energy
efficiency, and created thousands of jobs in manufacturing, engineering,
and other clean tech sectors. REV is ensuring New York State reduces statewide
greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent by 2030 and achieves the internationally-recognized
target of reducing emissions 80% by 2050. To learn more about REV, including
the Governor's $5.3 billion investment in clean energy technology
and innovation, please visit
www.ny.gov/REV4NY and follow us at
@Rev4NY.