New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has announced the release of the New York State Offshore Wind Blueprint that creates a framework for the development of wind energy generation off the coast of New York through a comprehensive Offshore Wind Master Plan .
The Blueprint has been developed by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) as part of the clean energy initiative, the Clean Energy Standard, which requires 50 percent of the state’s electricity to come from renewable energy sources like wind and solar by 2030.
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 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.
It 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.
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.”