Norwegian energy giant Equinor has secured approval from the New York State Public Service Commission to commence construction of its Empire Wind 1 offshore wind farm, announced Governor Kathy Hochul on Thursday. This milestone marks a significant step forward in the state's efforts to bolster its renewable energy portfolio and combat climate change.
Offshore wind energy plays a pivotal role in both U.S. and state objectives of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with broader sustainability goals. However, the industry has encountered challenges this year, including inflation, heightened interest rates, and supply chain disruptions. Earlier in the year, Equinor and BP terminated their power sale agreement with New York state for the proposed Empire Wind 2 offshore wind farm, reflecting the complexities of navigating the current economic landscape.
The Empire Wind 1 project, boasting a capacity of 810 megawatts (MW), is poised to significantly contribute to New York's ambitious target of developing 9,000 MW of offshore wind power by 2035, as highlighted by Governor Hochul. The wind farm will integrate into the transmission system serving New York City, enhancing the region's renewable energy infrastructure.
Equinor's receipt of the final approval clears the path for construction to commence, following earlier approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in March. With construction set to begin, Empire Wind 1 is slated to commence power generation in 2026, heralding a new era of clean energy production in the region.
