In a crucial move forward, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has granted approval for the Construction and Operations Plan (COP) for Equinor’s Empire Wind project. This development signals a major milestone for the offshore wind initiative in New York, aligning with both state and federal renewable energy goals.

The COP approval positions Empire Wind on a trajectory to commence construction later this year in its designated federal lease area off the southern coast of Long Island. Empire Wind 1, already in advanced planning and development stages, aims to generate its first power for New Yorkers by 2026. Simultaneously, plans are underway to transform the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal into a central hub for offshore wind, with construction slated to begin as early as this spring.

Empire Wind is a flagship offshore wind project developed by Equinor, with an established offshore wind portfolio in key global markets, including the UK, Poland, Germany, and South Korea, Equinor brings its expertise to the United States with Empire Wind. Positioned 15-30 miles southeast of Long Island, the project spans 80,000 acres with water depths ranging from approximately 75 to 135 feet. Acquired in 2017, the lease encompasses two phases, Empire Wind 1 and 2, boasting a potential capacity of over 2 GW (810 + 1,260 MW).

Molly Morris, President of Equinor Renewables Americas, expressed enthusiasm, stating, "We are ready to get to work. Today’s COP approval follows years of rigorous review and collaboration with BOEM and other federal agencies. Equinor is grateful for a shared commitment to achieving state and federal offshore wind ambitions, and Empire Wind is one step closer to delivering renewable power to hundreds of thousands of New York homes."

Originally submitted in 2020, the Empire Wind COP authorizes detailed plans for both offshore and onshore construction and operations, incorporating insights from extensive environmental reviews, external expert input, and public feedback. BOEM's recent announcement follows the November 2023 approval of Empire Wind’s federal Record of Decision.

Recent federal endorsements include a Clean Air Act permit from the Environmental Protection Agency and approval from the NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service, aligning with the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

Empire Wind 1 is actively participating in New York’s fourth offshore wind solicitation, further underscoring its commitment to contributing to the state’s clean energy objectives.

In this context, Anne Reynolds, ACP Vice President for Offshore Wind, issued a statement on behalf of the American Clean Power Association (ACP), emphasizing the significance of this development. "This is a milestone for Empire Wind and domestic offshore wind as a whole. When it reaches construction, this project will, over two phases, create thousands of family-sustaining jobs and revitalize the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal. This will be a great development for the New York regional economy, and we look forward to the success of this project. We will continue to work closely with the Administration toward a secure, clean energy future."