Sunrise Wind, boasting a capacity of 924 MW, is set to generate sufficient renewable energy to power nearly 600,000 homes across New York. The project's Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (COP) approval delineates crucial details such as one nautical mile wind turbine spacing, construction methodologies for federal ocean waters, and protective measures for marine habitats and species.
This COP approval aligns seamlessly with BOEM's permitting timeline, following the agency's March 2024 Record of Decision after a comprehensive environmental review led by BOEM. Ørsted and Eversource diligently collaborated with external organizations and experts to establish these provisions, underscoring their commitment to stakeholder relationships and environmental coexistence.
David Hardy, Executive Vice President and CEO of Region Americas at Ørsted, emphasized Sunrise Wind's pivotal role in New York's clean energy strategy, marking a significant milestone with the project's federal approval. He highlighted BOEM's endorsement as pivotal not only for New York but also for America's domestic energy sector, anticipating substantial economic benefits, job creation, and clean energy contributions similar to those achieved with South Fork Wind.
Recent agreements with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) have finalized Sunrise Wind's 25-year offshore wind renewable energy certificate (OREC) contract. With focus now turning to accelerating onshore transmission system work and offshore construction commencement later this year, approximately 30 miles east of Montauk, New York, Sunrise Wind aims for operational status by 2026.
