Offshore Wind Master Plan

Master Plan 2.0 (2023-2024)

Governor Hochul launched the “New York State Offshore Wind Master Plan 2.0: Deep Water” (Master Plan 2.0) in 2022, ushering in a new phase of offshore wind planning for a rapidly evolving industry, building on work presented in Master Plan 1.0. In alignment with New York’s 10-Point Action Plan, Master Plan 2.0 will provide a plan for the future of offshore wind development, including in deeper waters, that will allow for the expansion of the industry and ability to meet regional development targets. In addition to positioning New York State to maximize the benefits and minimize the risks associate with offshore wind energy development, the Master Plan 2.0 will encourage the Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) to initiate a new offshore wind leasing process in the New York Bight. To support BOEM, the State is working with stakeholders and advancing new studies that will synthesize and analyze data to identify potential areas of least-conflict and greatest-opportunity for offshore wind development within three zones considered in the Area of Analysis (AoA).

Master Plan 2.0 Area of Analysis

Zone 1 is closest to shore and includes a portion of the Outer Continental Shelf. It extends from the 60-meter contour out to the continental shelf break [60 meters (197 feet) to 150 meters (492 feet) deep]. Zone 1 is approximately 12,040 square miles.

Zone 2 spans the steeply sloped continental shelf break, with unique canyon geology and habitats [150 meters (492 feet) to 2,000 meters (6,561 feet) deep]. Zone 2 is approximately 6,830 square miles.

Zone 3 extends from the continental shelf break out to 3,000 meters (9,842 feet) depth. Zone 3 is approximately 16,800 square miles.

View more about Master Plan 2.0 Area of Analysis Show less about Master Plan 2.0 Area of Analysis

Preparing for New York’s offshore wind energy future requires gaining insight into risks and opportunities associated with developing wind energy resources in deeper waters. For the purpose of this endeavor, “deeper water” refers to waters exceeding 200 feet [60 meters] in depth. NYSERDA, with support from other State agencies, is continuing to develop Master Plan 2.0 to evaluate and characterize these risks and opportunities. Master Plan 2.0 will also articulate a high-level strategy for developing potential future lease areas in deeper waters, with a particular emphasis on fostering engagement with the offshore wind industry, federal and regional state partners, Indigenous Nations, elected officials, maritime users, non-governmental organizations, other stakeholders, and the public.

Specifically, Master Plan 2.0 will:

Provide the research and analysis necessary to better position the State to take advantage of opportunities afforded by floating offshore wind;
Support the identification of additional areas in the region that are deeper than 60 meters to recommend to BOEM for consideration as future Central Atlantic lease areas beyond the current NY Bight lease areas;
Assess available and emerging technologies and develop estimates of costs, benefits and risks of floating offshore wind;
Assess how New York could best expand its position as the hub for offshore wind energy by leveraging the emerging supply chain and expertise;
Define a path to smoothly transition offshore wind energy procurement from fixed foundations to floating technologies; and
Synthesize available information about wildlife distributions, oceanographic conditions and how the region is used by others to develop recommendations and considerations for BOEM regarding which regions present the greatest opportunities and least risk for siting floating offshore wind projects, for consideration of leasing.

Master Plan 2.0 Study Areas

Analysis of potential areas for offshore wind development in deeper waters
Analysis of potential risks to birds and bats, benthic resources, fish and fisheries, and practices to avoid, minimize, or mitigate impacts
Assessment of oceanographic conditions and potential impact of offshore wind development in the AoA
Recommended measures to mitigate potential impacts
Mechanisms to procure offshore wind energy at the lowest cost to ratepayers
Analysis of costs and cost-reduction pathways
Infrastructure requirements and assessment of existing facilities
Economic and environmental benefits
Workforce opportunities
Analysis of collective impact of offshore wind development on marginalized communities
Engagement of five Technical Working Groups (TWGs) in the areas of commercial fishing, the environment, environmental justice, jobs and supply chain, and maritime commerce

Studies to Inform Lease Siting (Expected Publication Early 2024)

Birds and Bats Study
Fish and Fisheries Data Aggregation Study
Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles Study
Benthic Habitat Study
Environmental Sensitivity Analysis
Maritime Assessment: Commercial and Recreational Uses Study
Offshore Wind Resource Assessment
Deep Water Wind Technologies: Technical Concepts Study
Technology Assessment and Cost Considerations Study

Additional Study Considerations to Inform Master Plan (2023-2025)

Port & Supply Chain Study
Vessel Analysis for Deep Water Wind Development and Operation
Deep Water Cost Reduction Study
Navigating Workforce Opportunities and Challenges of Scaling Up Offshore Wind Targets in New York State
Empowering Potential: Cataloging Existing Community Assets for Harnessing Offshore Wind Opportunities in New York’s Disadvantaged Communities
Characterizing Oceanographic Conditions and Analyzing Extreme Weather Risks and Potential Interactions with New York State’s Offshore Wind Infrastructure

Master Plan 1.0 Studies (2017-2018)

NYSERDA conducted 20 studies and engaged with stakeholders and the public to create Master Plan 1.0 in order to determine the most responsible and cost-effective pathways for developing offshore wind energy.