New York State Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced solicitations for up to 2,500 megawatts of offshore wind projects. Combined with awarded solicitations for renewable energy last year of 1,700 MW, this marks the largest ever solicitation for renewable energy in the U.S.

According to the state, the new solicitation has the potential to bring New York State halfway toward its goal of 9,000 megawatts of offshore wind by 2035. New York State has a mandate to secure 70 percent of the state’s electricity from renewable energy by 2030.

The solicitation includes a multi-port strategy and requirement for offshore wind generators to partner with any of the 11 prequalified New York ports to stage, construct, manufacture key components, or coordinate operations and maintenance activities. Funding for port investments will include $400 million in both public and private funding.

Governor Cuomo said:

“During one of the most challenging years New York has ever faced, we remain laser-focused on implementing our nation-leading climate plan and growing our clean energy economy, not only to bring significant economic benefits and jobs to the state, but to quickly attack climate change at its source by reducing our emissions. With these record-breaking solicitations for renewable energy and new port infrastructure, New York continues to lead the way with the most ambitious Green New Deal in the nation, creating a future fueled by clean, renewable energy sources.”

Governor Cuomo also announced the issuance by The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and the New York Power Authority (NYPA) of the nation’s largest coordinated solicitations for land based large-scale renewable energy projects by a U.S. state, under the State’s Clean Energy Standard.

NYSERDA Acting President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said:

“While Governor Cuomo and the State work diligently to safely reopen New York’s economy clean energy represents an optimal tool to jumpstart these activities. Our second offshore wind solicitation combined with this historic investment in the state’s port infrastructure will ensure that New York continues to be a leader in our nation-leading pursuit of offshore wind. New York’s ports will serve a critically important role in supporting the long-term development of offshore wind projects not only in New York but along the entire East Coast while supporting new jobs and investment in the State during the state’s recovery from COVID-19. Today’s milestone also builds on the nation-leading pipeline of large scale renewable projects awarded over the past three years and will stimulate much needed economic development for upstate New York communities, prioritizing environmental justice concerns, and moving us closer to achieving Governor Cuomo’s nation-leading climate and clean energy goals.”

NYPA President and CEO Gil C. Quiniones said:

“New York is leading the transformation to a clean energy economy by accelerating the development of more large-scale solar and wind projects in every corner of the state. These investments put us at the forefront of the transformation to clean energy and like New York always does, we are leading the charge. To achieve our national-leading goal of 100 percent carbon free electricity by 2040 and to make lasting impacts against the ravages of climate change, we must act now. NYPA’s solicitation calls for utility-scale renewable projects that will produce an annual output of up to 2 million MWh or more. As these major solar and wind projects, some with an option for storage, come online we will reduce emissions, harness our abundance of natural resources, and boost economic development in all regions of our state setting the example for others.”

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos said:

“New York is setting the bar for state-led action on climate. To achieve the state’s nation-leading goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and responsibly ramping up clean energy sources, New York must tap into our state’s wind energy potential. Today’s announcement is further proof that through Governor Cuomo’s leadership on climate and our ongoing clean energy initiatives, New York is leading the nation’s efforts to act on climate while protecting our communities and our irreplaceable natural resources.”