New York is seeking proposals to upgrade its port infrastructure to support the state’s 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) issued a request for qualifications for port operators and other officials interested in supporting the development.
The state’s ports are expected to unlock billions in long-term local economic development potential and will serve as a hub for the broader northeast region’s offshore wind industry. The project follows Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s recently announced New Green Deal, which has been called the most aggressive climate and clean energy initiative in the nation.
Under the initiative, New York is planning to develop 9,000 megawatts of offshore wind by 2035.
“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,” said Marie Therese Dominguez, commissioner for the New York State Department of Transportation.
The RFQL is the first step in a two-phase process to select a developer. Proposals must be pre-qualified under the RFQL to move on to the second step, which will involve a competitive solicitation for a $200 million contract, which will be issued in 2020.
“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,” added Eric J. Gertler, acting commissioner and president and CEO-designate of Empire State Development.
To read more about the RFQL, click here.
