Climate Change and Offshore Wind

The Earth’s climate is changing at an alarming rate—this past decade was the hottest on record, with 2023 being the warmest year on record. Warmer oceans, shrinking glaciers, and rising sea levels are further evidence that global warming has a grip on the planet, and now is the time for immediate action.

To diminish the occurrence of severe weather events caused by a changing climate, New York is stepping up to take a leadership role in the decisions about how to best respond to the climate crisis.

Offshore Wind: An Emission-Free Source of Energy

Deploying low-carbon energy sources like offshore wind is an essential solution for cutting greenhouse gas emissions  to combat global warming.

Over the past few decades, the costs associated with offshore wind energy projects has declined dramatically, introducing an important resource opportunity for generating clean energy on a large scale. As a renewable energy source, offshore wind has a much smaller impact on the environment than conventional fossil fuel power generation, which releases pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.

New York’s first offshore wind project, South Fork Wind, became operational in December 2023. The 130-megawatt (MW) project is generating enough renewable energy to power approximately 70,000 homes on Long Island. New York has a target of installing 9,000 MW of offshore wind by 2035, providing a reliable source of clean energy for millions of New Yorkers.

Offshore wind energy has the potential to transform New York State’s electricity system in ways that will have extraordinary environmental, social, and economic benefits. Reducing air pollution by even modest amounts in the densely populate regions of New York City and Long Island can have significant health benefits, such as declining rates of asthma-related and other respiratory and cardiovascular issues. NYSERDA and its partners are working diligently to ensure that offshore wind is developed in the most responsible and cost-effective way possible.

Large-Scale Renewable Energy: A Necessary Next Step

Renewable energy sources—such as onshore and offshore wind, hydroelectric, and solar—are important parts of a global strategy for tackling climate change. In countries across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, governments are enacting policies to combat global warming and spur market innovations.

New York State recognizes that significant increases in clean and renewable energy are necessary for real progress to be made. The State’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act) is the most aggressive climate legislation in the nation. Enacted in July 2019, the Climate Act requires utilities to rely on renewable energy for 70% of the electricity supply by 2030, with specific targets for 10,000 megawatts of solar capacity by 2030, 3,000 megawatts of energy storage capacity by 2030, and 100% clean electricity by 2040.

Learn More About Climate Change

• Greenhouse Gas Emissions (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)
• The Causes of Climate Change (NASA)
• Climate Change Research (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)
• Climate Action (United Nations Sustainable Development Goals)
• New York’s Nation-Leading Climate Targets (Climate Act)

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Interested in staying up to date with the latest news on New York’s offshore wind industry? Subscribe to the Offshore Wind email list to receive information about offshore wind in New York State, workforce development opportunities, and more.

Have a question about offshore wind in New York State? Contact NYSERDA offshore wind staff.