New York's ambitious renewable energy landscape is set to expand with the approval of Sunrise Wind's construction and operations plan (COP) by the US Department of the Interior's Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM).
This milestone marks the project's final regulatory hurdle before offshore construction can commence, heralding a significant step towards bolstering America's domestic energy sector.
David Hardy, Executive Vice President and CEO of Region Americas at Ørsted, expressed the project's pivotal role, stating, “BOEM's approval is an important milestone not just for New York but also for America's domestic energy sector.”
Sunrise Wind, boasting a formidable capacity of 924 MW, is poised to supply clean energy to approximately 600,000 homes in New York. The COP approval delineates critical details such as one nautical mile wind turbine spacing, construction methodologies for offshore work, and rigorous mitigation measures to safeguard marine ecosystems.
See also: Eversource Energy Finalizes Deal to Sell Stake in Sunrise Wind Project to Orsted
Collaborating closely with various external organizations and experts, Orsted and Eversource have prioritized environmental protections and stakeholder engagement throughout the project's development. This commitment underscores their dedication to sustainable energy solutions and harmonious coexistence with marine habitats.
Recently finalizing agreements with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) for a 25-year offshore wind renewable energy certificate (OREC) contract, Sunrise Wind is now set to accelerate efforts on its onshore transmission infrastructure. Offshore construction activities are slated to intensify later this year at the project site situated approximately 30 miles east of Montauk, New York, with operational readiness anticipated by 2026.
