Community Offshore Wind Awarded NYSERDA Offtake Contract to Develop 1.3 GW of Offshore Wind for New York

New York State Governor Kathy Hochul announced that Community Offshore Wind, a joint venture of RWE and National Grid Ventures, was provisionally awarded a 1.3 gigawatt (GW) offtake contract as part of the state's third solicitation for offshore wind. The project will be developed as the first of multiple phases located within Community Offshore Wind's 3.2 GW seabed lease in the New York Bight, acquired during a federal auction by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) in 2022.

The first phase of the project, which will deliver enough clean energy to power at least 500,000 U.S. households, is expected to reduce New York's electricity system-related carbon emissions by up to 5 percent from the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) 2031 baseline scenario. The project awarded by NYSERDA will interconnect into Brooklyn, New York to deliver new offshore wind capacity.

Community Offshore Wind is poised to accelerate New York's progress toward ambitious climate and energy goals, while simultaneously delivering major economic benefits and robust workforce development investments for New Yorkers across the state. The project is expected to generate $3.3 billion in incremental economic benefits for New York, committing $530 millionin expenditures and labor to disadvantaged communities over the total project lifetime. Further, the project will create more than 800 good-paying jobs over the life of the project, prioritizing those from disadvantaged communities, local companies and the union workforce.

Doug Perkins, President and Project Director of Community Offshore Wind: "Community Offshore Wind will propel New York toward its ambitious climate and clean energy goals, while cementing the state as a hub for the continued development of offshore wind in the Northeast. We look forward to working with NYSERDA and our partners to deliver reliable, clean power to hundreds of thousands of New York homes and businesses, while ensuring workers in every corner of the state have the support and services they need to pursue jobs in the growing offshore wind industry."

Sam Eaton, CEO of RWE Offshore Wind Holdings, LLC: "The RWE team, in collaboration with our partners at National Grid Ventures, is grateful to Governor Hochul and NYSERDA for the opportunity to deliver one of the largest offshore wind projects in the U.S. while creating good-paying union jobs, localizing the offshore wind supply chain, and generating long-lasting economic benefits for disadvantaged communities. Today's announcement solidifies New York's position as a national leader in the energy transition with a sincere commitment to achieving its ambitious climate goals. We look forward to partnering with the State to deliver a world-class project." 

Pat Johnson, Vice President and Deputy Project Director of Community Offshore Wind: "As a company with longstanding roots in New York, we are committed to investing in the state's workers, families and businesses. Our project will bring billions of dollars in economic activity and growth to communities across New York, and build an in-state supply chain that will create and keep thousands of new clean energy jobs in the state for generations to come. We thank NYSERDA for trusting Community Offshore Wind to be New York's clean energy partner, and we are proud to work hand-in-hand with Governor Kathy Hochul and the state to deliver renewable power for New Yorkers."

Will Hazelip, President of National Grid Ventures Northeast: "Community Offshore Wind will further establish New York as a national leader in the clean energy transition, and we're grateful to Governor Hochul and NYSERDA for this recognition of our shared commitment to a future powered by renewables. National Grid Ventures is a longstanding partner to New York State, and we believe firmly in building a project that delivers far more than clean energy for New Yorkers – from new jobs, to impactful local investments and new workforce and economic development programs that will prepare workers and communities alike to take advantage of the opportunities the clean energy transition will create. In partnership with RWE, we look forward to continuing our community engagement with New York workers, families and businesses to deliver reliable, clean energy for all."

NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, "Today, New York is demonstrating our national leadership once again with this latest portfolio of offshore wind awards to grow our green economy, tackle climate change and transform the way we power our homes and businesses. RWE and National Grid Venture's Community Offshore Wind project will bring significant economic development and family-sustaining jobs to New York communities, while helping the State continue to advance toward the achievement of our aggressive climate and clean energy goals."

As part of the offtake award from NYSERDA, Community Offshore Wind will play a significant role in strengthening the domestic supply chain. This includes a commitment to purchasing New York made blade and nacelles, in partnership with General Electric (GE).

The project will also contribute toward developing the state's offshore wind workforce, with a direct investment of $41 million in economic development and workforce programs designed to favor disadvantaged communities, New York Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOB) businesses. Part of this investment includes a $10 million childcare financial assistance program to support parents who are working in and training for offshore wind careers, in partnership with United Way of New York State.

Committed to being a good environmental steward, Community Offshore Wind will also dedicate $38 million in wildlife and fisheries research, mitigation, and enhancement. This is in addition to the project's recent announcement to partner with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on a first of its kind Cooperative Research and Development Agreement.

Community Offshore Wind | www.communityoffshorewind.com