The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), Empire State Development (ESD) and the New York Department of Transportation (DOT) is issuing a Request for Qualifications seeking proposals for pre-qualification from port operators and market participants who are interested in upgrading and investing in New York ports to support the state’s emerging offshore wind industry.
The state’s ports are expected to serve as a hub for the broader northeast region’s offshore wind industry.
“With the 13th largest economy in the world, a wealth of existing port infrastructure, and the largest commitment to offshore wind in the nation, New York is uniquely positioned to be the epicenter of this exciting new industry in the U.S,” said Alicia Barton, president and CEO, NYSERDA. “Today’s announcement is a major step in advancing the next generation of infrastructure upgrades needed for New York’s ports to support this growing industry while helping us reach economies of scale faster, develop a domestic supply chain more quickly and efficiently and utilize ports and support developments all along the East Coast.”
This RFQL is the first step in a two-phase process through which New York seeks to pre-qualify proposers and then competitively select proposals for public-private investment opportunities in port infrastructure. Only those proposers who are pre-qualified under this RFQL will be eligible to participate in a subsequent competitive solicitation for up to $200 million to be issued in 2020.
To be eligible, proposers must identify at least one port facility and describe the current level of site control or ability to obtain site control and will be evaluated based on the demonstrated value and viability of the project.
“Providing the proper infrastructure needed to advance Governor Cuomo’s nation-leading, off-shore wind program will ensure that New York State will lead the way towards a clean energy future which is estimated to create more than 1,600 jobs, result in $3.2 billion in economic activity and position New York State as an important hub of the nation’s growing offshore wind industry,” said Eric Gertler, acting commissioner and president of the ESD.
Improved port infrastructure is an integral part of the offshore wind supply chain, serving as the link between land-based manufacturing, pre-assembly activities, and the offshore projects themselves. The offshore wind goals of both New York State and the broader northeast region now exceed 20,000 MW and are expected to create $70 billion in capital expenditure revenue opportunities for businesses in the U.S.
The up to $200 million commitment represents the nation’s largest infrastructure investment in offshore wind and is a critical piece in realizing the potential long-term economic benefits to New York from the regional development of offshore wind, NYSERDA said in a press release.
The announcement builds on the selection of New York’s first two offshore wind projects — Empire Wind and Sunrise Wind — totaling nearly 1,700 MW. Combined, the projects will create more than 1,600 jobs and result in $3.2 billion in economic activity including major investments to upgrade existing New York ports in downstate New York and up the Hudson River to the Capital Region.
“Specialized port facilities are essential to the success of the fledgling offshore wind industry in the U.S.,” Joe Martens, director of New York Offshore Wind Alliance. “NYOWA and its member organizations applaud New York State for initiating a process that will lead to strategic port investments and infrastructure improvements that will maximize in-state jobs and economic development and make New York the offshore wind capital of the U.S.”
News item from NYSERDA
Filed Under: News