Key Learnings from European Models to Inform and Accelerate Progress toward
Governor’s Goal for 2,400 Megawatts of Offshore Wind by 2030
Offshore Wind Targets to Support State’s Clean Energy Standard Calling for
50 Percent of Electricity to Be Produced by Renewable Energy by 2030
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced a memorandum of understanding has been signed by New York power agencies and partners to conduct a study of successful offshore wind transmission models – with a specific focus on largescale European projects – to determine how key learnings can guide the state’s procurements of offshore wind generation. The findings of the study will help guide New York’s offshore wind development, marking another major step toward the Governor’s goal to reach 2,400 megawatts of offshore wind in waters off the Atlantic Coast by 2030.
“New York continues to be a national leader in the development of our robust offshore wind industry, aiming to make wind energy as accessible and affordable as possible for all New Yorkers,” Governor Cuomo said. “As we strive to meet aggressive energy goals, we are committed to developing a clean energy economy that will attract investment and create thousands of jobs by 2030.”
This valuable input gained from the study will help determine the optimal infrastructure required to support the Governor’s aggressive offshore wind targets. The learnings will enable New York State and offshore wind developers to implement these major clean energy projects in an informed, cost-effective manner, thereby reducing ratepayer costs and moving the state even further along in its goal of obtaining 50 percent of its electricity from renewables by 2030.
The New York Power Authority will lead the study, which aims to learn from European infrastructure design, best practices in connecting wind-generated power to transmission networks and the overall power grid, and successes in reducing the cost of delivering wind energy to customers and consumers. New York Independent System Operator, Con Edison, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, and Long Island Power Authority will collaborate with NYPA on the initial phase of the research. The study will look to learn from the different transmission and interconnection models currently used in Europe, which currently utilizes advanced wind energy technologies.
In July, the Public Service Commission authorized NYSERDA, in consultation with NYPA and LIPA, to issue Phase 1 solicitations in 2018 and 2019 for approximately 800 megawatts of offshore wind. The Public Service Commission also required NYSERDA to take immediate steps to study transmission solutions for Phase 2 and beyond to consider the longer-term configurations for cost-effective transmission of offshore wind, and the various options for ownership and planning processes. This study will inform the State on how to potentially apply learnings from Europe to New York for its Phase 2 procurements.
Richard Kauffman, Chairman of Energy and Finance for New York State, said, “The economic and environmental benefits of offshore wind development are many, and we as a state, must lead this charge, setting the example in the U.S. for others to follow. With this important information about the learnings in Europe, we’ll be able tomove ahead off the shores of the Atlantic coastin an informed, strategic, and cost-effective way. I commend our energy partners for coming together to use these learnings in a productive manner.”
Gil C. Quiniones, NYPA’s president and CEO said, “We’ll look at the experiences, conclusions and recommendations of others to determine what New York should consider in developing offshore wind transmission. We want to distill the most important lessons learned from European development and consider the possible implications for New York State.”
Alicia Barton, President and CEO, NYSERDA, said, “This study coupled with the 20 plus studies already conducted as part of the New York State Offshore Wind Master Plan will further advance New York’s offshore wind projects in the most informed and inclusive manner possible. By taking the valuable lessons learned from the European development of offshore wind, we are ensuring the state maintains its position at the forefront of the emerging U.S. offshore wind industry and that we keep taking significant strides towards meeting Governor Cuomo’s nation-leading clean energy goals.”
Tom Falcone, LIPA Chief Executive Officer, said, “This collaboration is an important step to building a sustainable wind energy industry on Long Island and in New York. Further research can grow an offshore wind industry that creates jobs, brings costs down and reduces our reliance on fossil fuels.”
Brad Jones, President and CEO, New York Independent System Operator, said, “The NYISO is pleased to partner with the New York Power Authority and the other key energy stakeholders on this important study, which will help the state establish the best course of action in the pursuit of offshore wind energy investments. New York is already a national leader on renewable energy. A study of this type will help further determine the best options for achieving Governor Cuomo’s clean energy goals.”
Timothy Cawley, President of Con Edison, said, “While there have been some successful offshore wind projects in the Northeast, there’s a need to pursue offshore wind’s potential on a much larger scale. Learning from the European experience, coupled with our own expertise, will help to identify effective strategies to make that energy available to more New York customers.”
Earlier this year, Governor Cuomo announced the New York State Offshore Wind Master Plan, which will guide the state in the development of 2,400 MW of offshore wind by 2030, enough to power 1.2 million New York households. The plan describes the conditions necessary for the state to achieve its offshore wind target and indicates the need for future technical studies, like the one announced today, and analyses to advance the most cost-effective and responsible development. The findings of the study will be timely as the state looks at transmission costs which the Master Plan estimates could comprise 30 percent of total costs of an offshore wind development.
The NYPA-led study will research and analyze the methods by which offshore transmission has been developed in places outside New York State, focusing primarily on Europe. Particular attention will be given to the physical design, including radial and network connections and interconnections between the projects and to the respective onshore transmission systems as well as development and rate structures. The study will also focus on the ownership structures, business models and financing approaches used in each jurisdiction, as well as the regulatory approaches governing transmission development and cost recovery. Results of the study are expected this fall.
Reforming the Energy Vision
Reforming the Energy Vision is Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s strategy to lead on climate change and grow New York’s economy. REV is building a cleaner, more resilient and affordable energy system for all New Yorkers by stimulating investment in clean technologies like solar, wind, and energy efficiency and requiring 50 percent of the state’s electricity needs from renewable energy by 2030. Already, REV has driven growth of more than 1,000 percent in the statewide solar market, improved energy affordability for 1.65 million low-income customers, and created thousands of jobs in manufacturing, engineering, and other clean tech sectors. REV is ensuring New York reduces statewide greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent by 2030 and achieves the internationally recognized target of reducing emissions 80 percent by 2050. To learn more about REV, including the Governor’s $5 billion investment in clean energy technology and innovation, visit rev.ny.gov, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
About NYPA
NYPA is the largest state public power organization in the nation, operating 16 generating facilities and more than 1,400 circuit-miles of transmission lines. More than 70 percent of the electricity NYPA produces is clean renewable hydropower. NYPA uses no tax money or state credit. It finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity. For more information visit www.nypa.gov and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr and LinkedIn.
