New York City Economic Development Corp. (NYCEDC) has released a request for information (RFI) to catalyze local offshore wind (OSW) innovation. This RFI invites entities from the public and private sector to submit project proposals that have the potential to generate new technologies, businesses and approaches to research, development and commercialization for the offshore wind industry specifically and the clean energy sector broadly.
The RFI will provide NYCEDC with information regarding innovations that solve OSW industry challenges and create economic opportunities for New Yorkers. After receiving and reviewing RFI responses, NYCEDC may release one or more subsequent requests for proposals for innovation-related infrastructure, which could lead to one or more awards with resources from the city’s $191 million financial commitment to the 15-year Offshore Wind Vision Plan. Respondents to the RFI can be a private business, academic institution, philanthropic organization, nonprofit entity or partnership thereof. Examples of desired innovation include, but are not limited to, design (e.g., improving design of turbines or substations), materials and construction (e.g., improving raw material usage and component manufacturing), and systems and planning (e.g., improving grid integration and resilience, and supply chain logistics).
Respondents should articulate a vision that addresses the city’s goals as outlined in the RFI. In addition to advancing innovations in the OSW industry, respondents’ proposals should meaningfully advance equity goals and increase economic opportunities for New Yorkers, particularly residents in environmental justice communities.
“The RFI is a good step toward advancing New York City’s Offshore Wind Vision Plan and generating innovative ideas that help create new supply chains and clean energy infrastructure to maintain the OSW industry,” states Deputy Mayor for Economic and Workforce Development Maria Torres-Springer. “I look forward to seeing all the great proposals that come out of this request for information and thank NYCEDC for engaging a diverse set of stakeholders to build a more equitable, healthier, and greener city for all.”
“We are paving the way toward our vision of New York City as a world-renowned offshore wind hub,” mentions Andrew Kimball, NYCEDC’s president and CEO. “The RFI will help to identify innovation in this industry and leverage a unique opportunity to create well-paying future-focused green jobs, maximize local economic benefits, and generate clean energy – putting us one step closer to achieving an equitable economic recovery.”
NYCEDC does not intend to issue any awards or agreements on the basis of this RFI. This RFI should be viewed as a pre-competitive stage of solicitation. Responses to this RFI are due by 11:59PM EST on September 9, 2022.
