New York’s offshore wind leader, Ørsted, announced today that it has submitted a finalized proposal for its Long Island Wind project, which would power up to 1 million New York homes with renewable energy while further strengthening Ørsted’s Northeast Hub. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York has become a national offshore wind leader, and the Long Island Wind project would deliver major new investments to New York’s workforce and offshore wind supply chain.
“America’s clean energy future is being forged right here in New York, and we’re proud to have played a pivotal role in positioning the Empire State as a national leader in offshore wind,” said David Hardy, Group EVP and CEO Americas at Ørsted. “We are ready to build on this momentum with our new Long Island Wind project, creating thousands of high-quality jobs from Long Island to the Capital Region, driving significant investment in the supply chain and workforce, and propelling New York toward its ambitious clean energy goals.”
Ørsted’s Long Island Wind would create thousands of new jobs, accelerate workforce development, prioritize environmental justice, and benefit public health and the environment.
With commercial operation starting in 2033, Long Island Wind would deliver up to 1,485 megawatts of clean and reliable offshore wind energy at stable and affordable pricing for New York homeowners and businesses for decades. The project would bring several billion dollars of in-state investment, coming on top of Ørsted’s existing investments and commitments in New York, including the more than $700 million of direct investments Ørsted is making in Long Island’s Suffolk County alone for its Sunrise Wind project.
The planned investments are contingent on Long Island Wind’s selection by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), the successful execution of an Offshore Wind Renewable Energy Certificate agreement with NYSERDA, and a final investment decision by Ørsted.
Ørsted operates South Fork Wind – New York’s first offshore wind farm and America’s first utility-scale offshore wind project – and is currently building Sunrise Wind, slated to become New York’s second offshore wind farm. Together with Long Island Wind, Ørsted’s projects are estimated to satisfy approximately six percent of New York’s total electricity demand.
“I am a strong believer that offshore wind energy is key to our environmental and economic future,” said Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine. “In addition to providing critical clean energy, these projects have injected important economic benefits in the form of supply chain investments, workforce development, environmental justice commitments, and community benefit packages.”
“The offshore wind industry offers a roadmap for Long Island’s success, and success of the skilled tradeswomen and tradesmen of the Building Trades,” said Matthew Aracich, President of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Nassau & Suffolk Counties. “By declaring South Fork Wind operational, building Sunrise Wind, and proposing project labor agreements for all construction work associated with Long Island Wind, Ørsted has repeatedly demonstrated that offshore wind is an industry where union workers will have long term careers. That commitment primes Long Island for long-term economic benefits, achieved through a more sustainable future.”
“As the impacts of climate change become more severe, it is imperative that we advance large-scale renewable energy solutions without delay,” said New York League of Conservation Voters President Julie Tighe. “Now is the time for bold climate action in New York and we applaud Ørsted on their NY5 offshore wind proposal, a robust and comprehensive plan that would advance the state toward its CLCPA goals and ensure the continued growth of this critical sector.”
“It is exciting and hopeful that New York is building a path to a clean energy future; one where advancing offshore wind must be an essential component. South Fork Wind is a successful example of progress in achieving our transition to clean, safe renewable energy. The leadership, expertise, and community commitment of Ørsted has provided a high bar for the industry,” said Citizens Campaign for the Environment Executive Director Adrienne Esposito. “America’s first offshore wind farm required the developer to work with the community, engage with stakeholders, and advance an environmentally- responsible project. Ørsted has consistently lived up to these ideals with its South Fork Wind and Sunrise Wind projects, and we look forward to working with them to build Long Island Wind.”
“Ørsted’s South Fork Wind and Sunrise Wind projects have helped make Long Island a national offshore wind leader, and their proposed Long Island Wind project will build on this success,” said Long Island Association President & CEO Matt Cohen. “From creating hundreds of jobs to investing hundreds of millions in our community, Ørsted’s partnership has been transformative for our region, and we hope to continue this partnership for many years to come.”
