New York finalizes contracts for 816 MW Empire Wind offshore wind project

The State of New York has finalized the contracts for the development of the 816 MW Empire Wind offshore wind project. 

The wind farm will be built within an 80,000-acre lease in the New York Bight. The project will be sponsored by Equinor with the construction expected to be launched in 2022. The project is set to be commissioned in December 2024. 

The energy output of the wind farm will be sold for an average of US$83.36 per megawatt-hour (2018 dollars) with an expected average OREC cost of US$25.14 per megawatt-hour. The average bill impact for residential customers will be less than a dollar per month per customer - approximately US$0.73.

On November 15, 2019, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) will host an Offshore Wind Technical and Training Workshop at Farmingdale State College on Long Island. This workshop is an opportunity for local businesses, training providers, labor organizations and educators to coordinate with offshore wind developers, component manufacturers, and service suppliers to identify the technology and training needs of Sunrise Wind, Empire Wind and future offshore wind projects in the region. The workshop will also set the stage for New York's US$20 million Offshore Wind Training Institute, which will provide benefits to workers across New York State through new job training programs, tailored college curriculum, and enhanced academic research opportunities.