Last July, New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced the release of the state’s third competitive offshore wind solicitation, seeking to add generating capacity to power at least 1.5 million homes. In response to the solicitation, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority – NYSERDA -received more than 100 proposals for 8 new projects from six offshore wind developers. An evaluation period is in progress and NYSERDA expects to announce awards sometime this spring.
Apart from the development and installation of offshore wind turbines and their associated infrastructure, participating in the program also involves supply chain investments to support the development of a strong, local supply chain that creates jobs for New Yorkers as well as bolstering the state’s standing as a regional hub for offshore wind manufacturing.
Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, a multi-billion-dollar Spanish-German wind engineering company, is one of the companies bidding to have its wind turbines used for the forthcoming New York offshore wind projects. If Siemens Gamesa is selected for the project, the company has revealed that it will build a major offshore nacelle manufacturing facility at the Port of Coeymans, New York, some 15 miles from Albany.
The planned facility would create approximately 420 direct jobs and represent an investment of around $500 million in the region. Siemens Gamesa said it would also commit to localizing several new component supplier facilities, including steel component fabrication, bearings, and composite components.
Offshore wind will bring more than just electricity to New York; it will bring a whole new industry.
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Siemens Gamesa reveals plans for New York offshore wind hub
Photo, posted March 24, 2016, courtesy of TEIA via Flickr.
Earth Wise is a production of WAMC Northeast Public Radio