The New York State has unveiled a blueprint for developing offshore wind power to meet its aim to generate 50% of total power from renewable sources by 2030.
The 2030 renewable plan was earlier announced by New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo.
Released by New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), the document said that the state is assessing potential sites within a 16,740-square-mile area off the Atlantic coast for development of wind projects.
The blueprint involves current and planned environmental studies, as well as strategic options to support sustainable and properly-sited offshore wind development, including site characterization and site assessment work.
NYSERDA president and CEO John Rhodes said: “This blueprint lays out how New York will responsibly harness clean and cost-effective energy from offshore wind, and drive clean energy development to benefit all New Yorkers and fight the dangers of climate change.”
The document also outlines next steps in developing the offshore wind master plan, which is planned to be unveiled at the end of 2017.
In June, the NYSERDA announced its plan to tender in the Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management auction for an 81,000-acre Wind Energy Area located 12 miles off the Long Island coast.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos said, "Responsibly sited renewable energy developments are a critical part of the state’s comprehensive efforts to tackle climate change.
“Through creation of the draft Ocean Action Plan, DEC and partners have continued to work with many stakeholders to identify sensitive offshore habitats that potential energy developments should avoid.”
In an effort to gauge offshore wind impacts, the agency has already commenced digital aerial survey flights of offshore wildlife.