New York Issues Solicitation To Purchase At Least 2,000 MW Of Offshore RECs

by Peter Maloney
APPA News
August 3, 2022

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul recently announced the issuance of the third in a series of solicitations aimed increasing offshore wind production in the state.

The solicitation, administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), seeks to purchase a minimum of 2,000 megawatts (MW) of offshore renewable energy credits (ORECs).

If the responses to the solicitation justify procurement of a larger quantity of ORECs, NYSERDA said it may procure through the solicitation up to the remaining capacity authorized by the state’s Offshore Wind Orders.

New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act sets a goal of developing 9,000 MW of offshore wind by 2035. New York has a pipeline of five offshore wind projects totaling over 4,300 MW under active development.

Offshore wind projects under way in New York include the 924-MW Sunrise Wind project, the 816-MW Empire Wind project, the 1,260-MW Empire Wind 2 project, the 1,230-MW Beacon Wind project, and the 130-MW South Fork Wind Farm being developed by Long Island Power Authority (LIPA).

New York State is aiming to become a hub of offshore wind energy by establishing ecosystems for workforce development, manufacturing, and operations and maintenance to support the offshore wind projects in the region.

Proposals in response to the solicitation are due on Dec. 22. A webinar will be held on Aug. 23. Solicitation award announcements are expected in early 2023.