In a pivotal development for New York’s renewable energy landscape, Sunrise Wind, the state’s largest offshore wind project, has secured the final construction and operations plan (COP) approval from the US Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM). This approval marks a crucial milestone, paving the way for the project to commence offshore construction.
Sunrise Wind, boasting a substantial capacity of 924 MW, is set to supply clean energy to nearly 600,000 homes across New York. The recently approved COP outlines stringent guidelines for the project, including a one nautical mile turbine spacing, detailed construction methodologies for operations in federal waters, and robust mitigation strategies to safeguard marine habitats and species.
David Hardy, Executive Vice President and CEO of Region Americas at Ørsted, expressed enthusiasm about reaching this significant milestone: “Sunrise Wind is a cornerstone of New York’s clean energy vision, and with BOEM’s final approval, we are ready to advance into the construction phase. This approval not only benefits New York but also underscores America’s commitment to expanding domestic renewable energy.”
The project’s approval aligns with BOEM’s comprehensive permitting process, following the agency’s issuance of the Record of Decision earlier in 2024, which concluded an extensive environmental review led by BOEM. Ørsted and Eversource, the project developers, collaborated closely with various external organizations and experts to ensure environmental stewardship and community engagement throughout the planning stages.
Sunrise Wind recently finalized agreements with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) for a 25-year offshore wind renewable energy certificate (OREC) contract, solidifying its financial framework and commitment to long-term energy sustainability.
Looking ahead, the Sunrise Wind team will prioritize the onshore transmission system construction, with offshore activities scheduled to commence later this year approximately 30 miles east of Montauk, New York. The project aims to achieve operational status by 2026, contributing significantly to New York’s renewable energy goals and economic development.
This approval not only advances New York’s renewable energy ambitions but also highlights the collaborative efforts of federal, state, and local leaders alongside private sector partners in realizing a sustainable energy future for the region.
