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Offshore Wind Master Plan

Since 2016, New York State has been conducting research, analysis, and outreach to evaluate the potential for offshore wind energy. NYSERDA led the development of the New York State Offshore Wind Master Plan (Master Plan), a comprehensive roadmap and suite of more than 20 studies for the first 2,400 megawatts of offshore wind energy that encourages the development of offshore wind in a manner that is sensitive to environmental, maritime, economic, and social issues while addressing market barriers and aiming to lower costs. In 2020, the New York State Offshore Wind Master Plan was recognized with a Silver Achievement Award for Environmental Planning from the American Planning Association.

What is in the Master Plan?

  • Potential areas for offshore wind development
  • Description of economic and environmental benefits
  • Workforce opportunities
  • Mechanisms to procure offshore wind energy at the lowest cost to ratepayers
  • Analyzed costs and cost-reduction pathways
  • Recommended measures to mitigate potential impacts
  • Infrastructure requirements and assessment of existing facilities
  • Creation of four Technical Working Groups (TWGs) in the areas of maritime commerce, jobs and supply chain, commercial fishing, and the environment

Master Plan 2.0: Deepwater

Under Governor Hochul’s leadership the Offshore Wind Master Plan 2.0 will be initiated in 2022 and 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.
  • 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.
  • Led by NYSERDA in collaboration with the State agencies who will scope and execute on the Master Plan, with input and engagement as appropriate with the offshore wind industry, federal and regional state partners, elected officials, maritime users, non-governmental organizations, other stakeholders and the public.

Master Plan 1.0 Studies

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

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Master Plan [PDF]