Governor Kathy Hochul, New York City Mayor Eric Adams, and Equinor Wind US President Molly Morris announced the groundbreaking of the nation’s largest dedicated offshore wind port at the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal (SBMT). This monumental project marks a significant leap in New York’s clean energy transition, aligning with the state’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) to develop 9,000 megawatts of offshore wind by 2035. The initiative is poised to generate over 1,000 construction jobs and bolster the local economy.
Governor Hochul expressed her commitment to sustainability and economic growth, highlighting how the redevelopment of SBMT would bring vital investments to Brooklyn communities, create well-paying jobs, and set a national example for the offshore wind industry. “With the groundbreaking of South Brooklyn Marine Terminal, New York is fueling the redevelopment of the Brooklyn waterfront, bringing important investments to our communities, creating good-paying jobs, and building the model for the offshore wind industry that the rest of the nation can follow,” she said.
Mayor Adams echoed these sentiments, underscoring the project’s role in reducing the city’s carbon footprint and meeting climate goals. “Today, we are powering up New York’s clean energy economy and creating more than 1,000 union jobs for working-class New Yorkers as we break ground on the largest dedicated offshore wind port in the nation at the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal,” Adams stated. He emphasized the city’s vision for a green economy and its potential to revitalize Brooklyn’s waterfront for the 21st century.
The SBMT will function as a cutting-edge facility for offshore wind operations, playing a crucial role as the operations and maintenance hub for Empire Wind 1. This offshore wind project’s first phase aims to deliver 810 megawatts of renewable energy, enough to power nearly 500,000 homes in Brooklyn, by late 2026. The terminal will also host an onshore substation connecting electricity from offshore wind turbines to New York City’s electricity grid at the Gowanus Substation.
Doreen M. Harris, President and CEO of NYSERDA, celebrated the project as a milestone in transitioning away from fossil fuels. She praised the modernization and expansion of SBMT as transformative for the offshore wind industry in New York and beyond. Empire State Development President Hope Knight highlighted the economic benefits, emphasizing that the project would create well-paying jobs and attract further investments to New York City.
Molly Morris, Equinor Renewables Americas President, remarked on the significance of the groundbreaking for Empire Wind 1 and New York State’s renewable energy ambitions. She expressed pride in restoring the historic working waterfront in Brooklyn and acknowledged the collective effort from the community and leaders at various levels to make the project possible.
The project also received commendation from other officials, including Majority Leader Charles Schumer, Representative Dan Goldman, and State Senator Peter Harckham, each emphasizing its importance for job creation, economic growth, and achieving clean energy goals. Additionally, a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) was signed, ensuring the creation of union construction jobs and apprenticeships within local New York communities.
The SBMT redevelopment aligns with a broader vision unveiled by the city and NYCEDC in 2021, aiming to make New York a leading destination for the offshore wind industry. This ambitious plan is expected to create up to 13,000 jobs by 2035, with SBMT generating over 1,000 union jobs during construction and providing numerous assembly and permanent positions.
The transformation of SBMT into the largest offshore wind hub in the U.S. is a landmark achievement for New York’s clean energy future. The project is set to provide substantial economic and environmental benefits, establishing New York City as a pivotal player in the national offshore wind industry.
Source:Office of the Governor
