As part of a larger announcement made on July 21 regarding the development of renewables in New York State, which we explain in greater detail here and here, NYSERDA’s 2020 Offshore Wind Solicitation is now open.
This is NYSERDA’s second offshore wind procurement. NYSERDA is seeking up to 2,500 megawatts of offshore wind development as well as complementary multi-port infrastructure investment, which will bring New York State’s total commitment to more than $400 million in public and private dollars for port infrastructure since last year. This solicitation is making history as the largest infrastructure commitment to offshore wind in the nation and is poised to make New York State a hot spot for offshore wind development.
The official solicitation (ORECRFP20-1) was launched in accordance with the NY Public Service Commission’s Order Authorizing Offshore Wind Solicitation in 2020. This order was issued on April 23, 2020 and advances New York State’s goal to develop 9,000 megawatts of offshore wind by 2035, as adopted by the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA).
In its offshore wind solicitation, NYSERDA asks that project proposals include plans to support port development and states $400 million in public and private funding will be available for those 11 port locations qualified under NYSERDA’s Fall 2019 RFQL 4259. Notably, the funding sources include:
- $100 million in Empire State Development grant funding
- $100 million in low-interest financing
- $200 million in private-sector matching funds, for a 1:1 public-private match
Deadlines for the NYSERDA offshore wind solicitation are fast approaching. Important deadlines include:
- August 19 at 3:00 p.m.: Deadline for submission of written questions
- August 26: NYSERDA’s responses to written questions will be posted
- September 23 at 3:00 p.m.: Deadline for notice of intent to propose
- October 13 at 3:00 p.m.: Deadline for NYSERDA portal registration
- October 20 at 3:00 p.m.: Deadline for submission of proposals
NYSERDA is planning to announce the awards in the fourth quarter of this year. On August 12 at 10:00 a.m., NYSERDA is hosting a Proposers’ Conference to further explain the solicitation process.
Our team at Barclay Damon will continue to monitor these and other legal updates affecting the renewable energy industry.
If you have any questions regarding the content of this alert, please contact Brenda Colella, Regulatory Practice Group leader, Regulatory Practice Area co-chair, and co-leader of the Renewable Energy and Energy Market Teams, at bcolella@barclaydamon.com; Ekin Senlet, Regulatory Practice Area co-chair, at esenlet@barclaydamon.com; or Angela Sicker, associate, at asicker@barclaydamon.com.