NY blueprint for offshore wind master plan

A New York state energy office has released its Blueprint for the New York State Offshore Wind Master Plan.

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, known as NYSERDA, promotes energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources.  It mission is to advance innovative energy solutions in ways that improve New York's economy and environment.

New York recently adopted a Clean Energy Standard, which will require that 50% of New York State’s electricity come from renewable resources by 2030.  NYSERDA has described offshore wind as playing "a critical role in turning this aggressive goal into a reality."  NYSERDA has been tasked with leading the state's development of a master plan for New York offshore wind development.

On September 15, 2016, NYSERDA released its Blueprint for the New York State Offshore Wind Master Plan.  The Blueprint presents NYSERDA’s vision of the process, steps, and timeline to develop the master plan.  While the Master Plan's release is scheduled for 2017, NYSERDA noted that releasing an initial Blueprint serves to outline New York State’s comprehensive offshore wind strategy and advance the State’s Reforming the Energy Vision (REV) strategy to build a cleaner, more resilient, and affordable energy system for all New Yorkers.

NYSERDA has also expressed interest in bidding in an auction to be held by the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, for the right to lease offshore wind development sites in federal waters over the Outer Continental Shelf.  The 81,000-acre lease area is located south of Long Island, off the Rockaway Peninsula.  BOEM is expected to hold the lease sale later this year.