First Offshore Wind Project To Directly Power New York City Grid Gets Approval

Offshore Wind Farm — Representation Image

Equinor’s Empire Wind project reached an important milestone on March 1, when the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approved the Large Generator Interconnection Agreement (LGIA). Empire Wind is the first offshore wind project directly connected to the New York City transmission grid.

Empire Wind 1 will connect to the city’s electricity grid via Con Edison’s Gowanus substation and the Sunset Park Onshore Substation at South Brooklyn Marine Terminal (SBMT) with FERC clearance. This connection will allow New York City to receive 810 megawatts of reliable renewable power.

The vice president of Equinor Renewables Americas, Teddy Muhlfelder, highlighted the importance of the accomplishment and contribution to advancing offshore renewable energy for Brooklyn and other areas. Equinor’s cooperation with Con Edison and the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) engineers has made this process possible.

This approval is one of Empire Wind 1’s many significant turning points. The project has been granted multiple approvals, including the federal Construction and Operations Plan from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management and the Article VII Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need from the New York Public Service Commission. It was recently named a provisional winner in New York’s fourth offshore wind solicitation.

Offshore Project — Image Credits: EMPIRE WIND

Empire Wind’s impact goes beyond energy, establishing New York as a global leader in the offshore wind industry. This dedication is demonstrated by SBMT’s conversion into an assembly plant and operations and maintenance (O&M) base for the offshore wind industry.

After winning the rebid and obtaining the necessary permits, Equinor took complete ownership of the project, putting Empire Wind on track for development. The first power is anticipated by 2026. The project’s gradual implementation, with plans for Empire Wind 2 and Empire 1 getting closer to final investment choices, further strengthens its relevance in the region’s renewable energy sector.

Equinor’s dedication to sustainable infrastructure is demonstrated by the rebuilding of SBMT, which is regarded as one of the most extensive port facilities specifically designed for offshore wind in the United States. The facility will be used for wind farm operations and maintenance, as well as for the staging and assembly of wind turbine components and as the homeport for cutting-edge boats.

Equinor plans to bring in more partners to share costs and increase the project’s impact as Empire Wind moves closer to its objectives. Equinor also anticipates project finance. With FERC’s approval and a strong roadmap, Empire Wind is well-positioned to play a significant role in New York City’s clean energy transition and the growth of the offshore wind industry.

Reference: Empire Wind

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