Norway-based Statoil’s wind project offshore New York has the potential to generate up to 1GW of wind power, making it a key part of New York State’s plan to deploy renewable energy sources to meet the state’s electricity needs, the company said.
The 79,350 acre site off the southern coast of Long Island, secured by Statoil in a federal auction in December 2016, has been named ‘Empire Wind’.
The company informed that it is currently starting to develop the offshore wind farm with the potential to provide New York City and Long Island with a significant, long-term source of renewable electricity.
The Empire Wind project team is currently conducting an extensive evaluation process, gathering detailed information about the seabed conditions, grid connection options and wind resources characteristic to the area.
Christer af Geijerstam, Director of Statoil Empire Wind Project, stated: “The name Empire Wind captures the pivotal role that this important project will play in helping New York achieve its ambitious renewable energy goal. Empire Wind also speaks to the leading role that New York State is taking in advancing the deployment of offshore wind technology in North America.”
New York’s Clean Energy Standard has commanded an increase in the share of renewables in its energy mix up to 50 percent by 2030. As part of that effort, Governor Andrew Cuomo recently called for the development of up to 2.4 gigawatts of offshore wind power by 2030.
“Our goal is to help make offshore wind a leading option for generating clean and affordable energy in New York,” said Mr. Geijerstam.
