New York City is taking another step closer to realizing its first offshore wind project, as the state’s Public Service Commission has granted final approval for critical transmission infrastructure needed for the Empire Wind 1 Offshore Wind Project. This approval allows Empire Offshore Wind LLC, led by Equinor, to begin construction on essential transmission facilities that will connect the offshore wind farm to the grid, marking a significant milestone for renewable energy development in New York.

The approval pertains to the Environmental Management and Construction Plan (EM&CP) for the project, which involves construction activities at Con Edison’s Gowanus substation in Brooklyn, including excavation, cable installation, and site restoration. This phase is essential for connecting the offshore wind farm to the New York City grid. The transmission project includes a 17.5-mile route that runs from the boundary of New York State waters to a point of interconnection in Brooklyn, with a total of two 230-kilovolt high-voltage alternating current (HVAC) submarine export cables and onshore cables.

Empire Wind 1 is an 816-megawatt offshore wind farm located 15-30 miles off Long Island. Once complete, it will be the first offshore wind project to connect to the New York City grid, providing a much-needed boost to the state’s renewable energy capacity. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2026 and fully operational by the end of 2027. With a contracted capacity of 810 megawatts, the project is expected to play a critical role in New York’s clean energy transition.

The Empire Wind 1 project, located in a lease area spanning 80,000 acres, is a part of New York’s ambitious offshore wind strategy. It represents a key development in the state’s broader push for renewable energy, which includes goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing the share of renewable energy in its energy mix. The $5 billion capital investment, which includes a combination of tax credits and other incentives, underscores the scale of the project and its importance in advancing the state’s clean energy agenda.

This project also holds significant economic implications. The South Brooklyn Marine Terminal (SBMT), a crucial facility for the project, will serve as the operations and maintenance hub for Empire Wind 1. The port will host the onshore substation and provide essential services such as solar power and EV charging stations, making it a hub for the burgeoning offshore wind industry in the U.S. Notably, SBMT will also serve as the base for the Empire Wind Service Operations Vessel, the first plug-in hybrid vessel for offshore wind operations in the U.S.

However, not all offshore wind developments in New York are proceeding smoothly. The Empire Wind 2 project, which was initially intended to follow Empire Wind 1, faced delays and was ultimately terminated by Equinor and BP in early 2025 due to economic challenges such as inflation, high interest rates, and supply chain disruptions. Despite these setbacks, Empire Wind 1 remains a bright spot in the state’s offshore wind plans and continues to receive strong backing from the state government.

The approval of the transmission work for Empire Wind 1 highlights New York’s commitment to offshore wind development and clean energy. The project will contribute significantly to New York’s renewable energy portfolio, helping the state meet its ambitious climate goals. It is part of a broader strategy that includes other offshore wind projects, such as the Sunrise Wind project, which is being developed by Orsted and Eversource.

Looking ahead, the successful completion of Empire Wind 1 could pave the way for further offshore wind projects in New York and the broader Northeast U.S. region, which is increasingly seen as a key area for offshore wind development. As the country moves toward a cleaner energy future, projects like Empire Wind 1 are setting important precedents for how to integrate renewable energy into existing power grids and support local economies with sustainable job creation and infrastructure development.

The Empire Wind 1 project’s transmission work approval marks a significant step forward for New York’s renewable energy future. As the state continues to build its offshore wind capacity, it is setting an example for other states and regions to follow in the push for a cleaner, more sustainable energy landscape. With continued investment and commitment, Empire Wind 1 will play a crucial role in powering New York with clean, renewable energy.