NYSERDA issues $5.5 million New York survey solicitation

The
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is making
available up to $5.5 million to support the collection of geophysical and
geotechnical data from areas off New York’s Atlantic coast for future
offshore wind development.

Through this solicitation, NYSERDA is seeking to advance the development
of the primary and secondary areas identified by the Bureau of Ocean Energy
Management (BOEM) as the Hudson North and Hudson South draft Wind
Energy Areas (draft WEAs). These studies will collect and make public
seabed soil and geological data for progressing the preliminary design
and installation requirements for future offshore wind projects within
the draft WEAs.



NYSERDA will select one or more contractors to undertake geophysical and
geotechnical investigations and develop a model for describing geophysical
and geotechnical conditions for both draft WEAs. NYSERDA will also select
a contractor to support project management and host the data that is collected.
The deadline for submission is January 21, 2020.



Alicia Barton, President and CEO, NYSERDA said, “Today’s announcement
is another step in Governor Cuomo’s steadfast march to achieving 9,000
megawatts of offshore wind by 2035, putting New York in a clear national
leadership position when it comes to advancing this new industry. The surveys
NYSERDA will be funding under this solicitation will expand the offshore
wind industry’s access to geophysical and geotechnical data that will
provide the foundation for future offshore wind development in these areas,
and accelerate project development while driving down costs.”

The announcement builds on the data collected in a Geotechnical and
Geophysical Desktop Study, which includes information on the middle continental
shelf – off the shore of New York and New Jersey – creating a regional
overview of the seafloor and sub-seafloor environment as it relates to
offshore wind development.



Although geophysical surveys and studies have previously been carried out
in the New York Bight, only a limited amount of soil sampling and testing
has been undertaken to date. Obtaining additional in-field characterization
of the soil conditions off New York’s Atlantic coast will help increase
certainty of development conditions and support planning activities such
as project layout and turbine siting.



New York Offshore Wind Alliance Director Joe Martens said, “The collection
of geophysical and geotechnical data from areas off of New York’s Atlantic
coast is yet another demonstration of New York’s leadership promoting
the responsible development of offshore wind. The data generated by this
initiative will ultimately lead to better projects, lower cost and enhanced
safety. New York is leading the way to a clean energy future and relying
on data collection and sound science to get us there.”

New York has awarded
a total of approximately 4,700 MW of new large-scale renewable energy contracts
since March 2018 through three separate solicitations. Collectively, these
projects are expected provide enough renewable energy to power up to two
million households and meet nearly 10% of New York’s electricity needs
by 2025. The State’s renewable energy and climate goals include a target
of installing 9,000 MW of offshore wind by 2035.