New York's inaugural offshore wind farm has reached a significant milestone as construction gets underway. Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the South Fork Wind project has initiated its offshore operations by installing the first monopile foundation. The project, a joint venture between Ørsted and Eversource, remains on track to become the first utility-scale offshore wind farm in U.S. federal waters, scheduled to begin generating renewable energy by the end of this year.
Upon completion, the 132-megawatt wind farm, comprising 12 turbines, will provide clean energy to approximately 70,000 households. The project's construction phase will create numerous job opportunities, benefiting three Northeast ports, including New London, Connecticut, and New Bedford, Massachusetts. The foundation components for the South Fork Wind project were fabricated in Providence, Rhode Island.
The installation of the project's first foundation is being executed by Boskalis's Bokalift 2, a DP-2 crane vessel. Over the coming months, various vessels will be active at the offshore construction site, situated approximately 35 miles east of Montauk, New York.
Governor Hochul highlighted New York's pioneering role in offshore wind development, establishing the state as a national hub for the industry and fostering a green economy that supports sustainable job growth. The South Fork Wind project was approved by the Long Island Power Authority in 2017, aiming to address the rising energy demands on Long Island's east end.
This achievement follows another significant milestone at the Vineyard Wind development, located off the coast of Martha's Vineyard. With the first steel now in the water, the 800-megawatt project is set to power over 400,000 homes and businesses in Massachusetts, solidifying the region's commitment to clean energy. Full operations for the Vineyard Wind project are anticipated to commence in 2024.
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Categories: New York, Energy, Government & Policy, Sustainable Agriculture