New York State has launched process to upgrade port infrastructure to support expanding offshore wind industry.
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), Empire State Development (ESD), and the New York Department of Transportation (DOT) announced the issuance of a Request for Qualifications seeking proposals for pre-qualification from port operators and market participants.
Request for Qualifications is first step to inform a future competitive solicitation for state investment of up to $200 Million to upgrade New York’s port infrastructure.
The state’s ports are expected to unlock billions in long-term local economic develop potential and will be serving as a hub for the broader northeast region’s offshore wind industry. Today’s announcement advances Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s nation-leading Green New Deal goal to develop 9,000 megawatts of offshore wind by 2035.
Alicia Barton, President and CEO, NYSERDA, said: “With the 13th largest economy in the world, a wealth of existing port infrastructure, and the largest commitment to offshore wind in the nation, New York is uniquely positioned to be the epicenter of this exciting new industry in the U.S."
"Today’s announcement is a major step in advancing the next generation of infrastructure upgrades needed for New York’s ports to support this growing industry while helping us reach economies of scale faster, develop a domestic supply chain more quickly and efficiently, and utilize ports and support developments all along the East Coast,” Barton added.
Empire State Development Acting Commissioner and President and CEO-designate Eric J. Gertler said, “Providing the proper infrastructure needed to advance Governor Cuomo’s nation-leading, off-shore wind program will ensure that New York State will lead the way towards a clean energy future which is estimated to create more than 1,600 jobs, result in $3.2 billion in economic activity and position New York State as an important hub of the nation’s growing off-shore wind industry.”
“Under Governor Cuomo’s leadership, strategic investments are being made in New York’s transportation infrastructure to facilitate the implementation of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act - the most aggressive climate change agenda in the United States,” New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said.
"Today’s commitment represents the nation’s largest infrastructure commitment to offshore wind and will be a critical ingredient in realizing the long-term economic benefits to the State from the regional development of offshore wind,” Dominguez added.