Addabbo: Wind project off Rockaway shore is progressing nicely

New York State is once again leading the way with innovative climate change measures and natural energy resources, and after State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. virtually met with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), he was pleased to receive a positive update on the renewable energy project off the Rockaway shore.

NYSERDA also informed the Senator of another solicitation for a $400 million renewable energy project — which is the largest clean energy solicitation in the nation’s history — following up on last year’ procurement of offshore wind projects, including the Empire Wind Project off the shore of the Rockaways. Included in this new procurement with the Empire Wind Project is the Sunrise Wind Project and several land-based renewable energy projects issued by NYSERDA and New York Power Authority (NYPA).

Together, the combined solicitations from NYSERDA and NYPA seek to procure over 4,000 megawatts of clean, renewable energy, enough to power nearly 1.5 million homes.

“New York continues to lead the nation as we move towards a greener future by maximizing our renewable energy sources,” Addabbo said. “These procurements will create 9,000 megawatts of offshore wind power by 2035, enough to power six million homes, meeting the climate and environment goals under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.”

The project will also study the impact offshore wind turbines have on marine wildlife and its effect on ocean users, such as commercial and recreational fishing. The project will provide financial and technical support to regional monitoring of wildlife and key commercial fishing stocks.

As New York continues to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, these solicitations, combined with a competitive multi-port funding opportunity, are expected to create about $7 billion in direct investments and to create nearly 4,500 jobs, both short- and long-term. This will add a major boost to the economy, which has been suffering due to the impact of COVID-19.

“This project will also be an economic generator for the state,” Addabbo explained. “Thousands of workers will be hired to plan and construct all aspects of the project, and many more will be needed to run and maintain the facilities and wind turbines once they are operational. I look forward to working with NYSERDA and other entities towards having local residents obtain  access to these job opportunities.” The Senator also mentioned that the creators of this plan will also work with environmental groups to study and monitor the project’s effect on wildlife and fishing.