The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has approved the construction and operations plan for Equinor’s 810 MW Empire Wind project, positioning the development to begin construction in its federal lease area off the southern coast of Long Island later this year.
Already well advanced in planning and development, Empire Wind 1 could deliver first power to New Yorkers by 2026.
In addition, construction to transform the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal into a major hub for offshore wind could begin as early as this spring.
“We are ready to get to work,” says Molly Morris, president of Equinor Renewables Americas. “Today’s COP approval follows years of rigorous review and collaboration with BOEM and other federal agencies. Equinor is grateful for a shared commitment to achieving state and federal offshore wind ambitions, and Empire Wind is one step closer to delivering renewable power to hundreds of thousands of New York homes.”
First submitted in 2020, the Empire Wind COP authorizes detailed plans for offshore and onshore construction and operations based on years of environmental reviews, input from outside experts, and extensive public feedback.
BOEM’s announcement follows the November 2023 approval of Empire Wind’s federal record of decision.
Empire Wind recently received several federal approvals. Last week, it received its Clean Air Act permit from the Environmental Protection Agency. Earlier this week, it received its approval from the NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service in accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
Empire Wind 1 is currently bidding into New York’s fourth offshore wind solicitation.
