New York launches RFP for 800 MW offshore wind projects

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New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has launched its first request for proposals (RFP) for offshore wind energy, seeking to procure 800 MW or more of offshore wind renewable energy certificates (ORECs). 

An OREC represents the environmental attributes associated with one megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity generated from offshore wind resources and consumed by a retail customer in New York State.

The RFP is intended to accelerate progress toward New York State’s goal of developing 2,400 MW of offshore wind energy by 2030.

This first phase of 800 MW or more will stimulate the development of the domestic offshore wind industry, reduce the future cost of offshore wind procurements, and allow New York State to realize the direct benefits associated with the construction, operation, and maintenance of offshore wind resources.

All proposers must submit a Required Base Proposal for ORECs delivered from an approximately 400 MW offshore wind generation facility for a 25-year contract tenor, and a Required Transmission Proposal for ORECs associated with energy delivered through a direct marine cable interconnection from the Offshore Wind Generation Facility to a point in New York Independent System Operator's (NYISO) New York City and Long Island zones.

Proposers may also submit alternate proposals for ORECs delivered from offshore wind generation facilities of other technical configurations or interconnection points. However, eligible proposals must be for more than 200 MW installed capacity and for either a 20-year or 25-year contract tenor.

The RFP submission deadline is 14 February 2019, though prospective participants must submit a Notice of Intent to Propose by 20 December. NYSERDA intends to notify successful bidders in April 2019 and execute contracts in June.

Projects awarded in this solicitation are expected to be operational by the early to mid-2020s. They will be the first offshore wind projects to be developed in the state.