NEW YORK – The Empire Wind 1 project has bid into New York’s fourth offshore wind solicitation (NY4). Empire Wind 1 is ready to deliver reliable renewable power to more than half a million New York homes while helping achieve the state’s 2035 climate targets and establishing New York as a leader in the offshore wind future. If awarded, Empire Wind 1 is expected to provide first power in 2026.
Already several years into development, Empire Wind 1 will anchor the East Coast offshore wind industry in New York City through the transformation of the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal (SBMT) into a world-class hub for offshore wind. The project will generate billions of dollars in economic activity, wide-reaching community benefits and dependable union jobs; the bid also includes valuable opportunities to build and solidify a supply chain based in New York.
“Empire Wind 1 is ready and so is Equinor,” said Molly Morris, President of Equinor Renewables Americas. “New York has demonstrated its commitment to offshore wind and this project will play a foundational role in driving that commitment forward. Empire Wind 1 puts New York City at the heart of this new industry and the economic and environmental benefits will extend throughout the state. We continue to engage closely with our key stakeholders – including community partners, union labor, and environmental organizations – and are grateful for the support the project is receiving.”
The Empire Wind 1 bid into the NY4 solicitation follows the announcement of a swap transaction between Equinor and bp under which Equinor, subject to certain conditions and regulatory approval, will take full ownership of the Empire Wind lease and associated projects, including SBMT, where construction is expected to begin in the first half of this year; bp will take full ownership of Beacon Wind and its assets. A mutual termination agreement has also been reached with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) for the Beacon Wind 1 Offshore Wind Renewable Energy Certificate (OREC) Purchase and Sale Agreement.
Earlier this month, Empire Wind 2 agreed to cancel its OREC agreement as part of a strategic reset due to macroeconomic factors that have had an industry-wide impact. Empire Wind 1 is in a clear position to move forward in NY4, while Empire Wind 2 will be further matured for future solicitation rounds.
The 810 MW Empire Wind 1 project continues to make significant community investments through initiatives like the Offshore Wind Innovation Hub and Ecosystem Fund, programs based in New York City that provide support for workforce development and invite community stakeholders to partner in our project. Brooklyn is already home to Empire Wind activity with the New York project office, the Offshore Wind Innovation Hub headquarters and as the future home of the Offshore Wind Learning Center, which will directly support offshore wind education.
Empire Wind 1 has already achieved several key permitting milestones, including its Article VII Certificate of Environmental Capability and Public Need from the New York Public Service Commission. Empire Wind 1 and Empire Wind 2 received the Federal Record of Decision from BOEM in November 2023.
About Empire Wind
Empire Wind is being developed by Equinor, a leading energy company with more than 20 years of experience with offshore wind and an already strong offshore wind portfolio with assets in key markets, including the UK, Poland, Germany and South Korea.
Empire Wind is located 15-30 miles southeast of Long Island and spans 80,000 acres, with water depths of between approximately 75 and 135 feet. The lease was acquired in 2017. The project’s two phases, Empire Wind 1 and 2, have a potential capacity of more than 2 GW (810 + 1,260 MW), enough to power over 1 million New York homes. www.empirewind.com
About SBMT
The 73-acre South Brooklyn Marine Terminal – a historic home for New York City’s working waterfront – is set to transform into one of the nation’s largest dedicated port facilities for offshore wind in the U.S. and will support the staging and assembly of offshore wind turbine components for Empire Wind and the East Coast’s growing offshore wind industry.
SBMT will serve as the operations and maintenance (O&M) hub for Empire Wind 1 and will be the site of the project’s onshore substation. A low-emissions facility with solar power and EV charging stations installed onsite, the port will provide onshore power and charging for the Empire Wind Service Operations Vessel, the first plug-in hybrid vessel for the U.S. offshore wind industry.
Messages of Support for Empire Wind
I am writing in my role as a New York State Senator to express my strong support for Empire Wind 1, a significantly mature offshore wind project that promises to deliver substantial benefits to the state of New York. I understand the importance of sustainable and forward-thinking initiatives that have a positive impact on our community, the environment, and New York’s supply chain.” – New York State Senator Iwen Chu, District 17
“As the duly elected representative for New York City’s Council District 38 representing Sunset Park, Red Hook, Dyker Heights, Bensonhurst and other South Brooklyn neighborhoods I write to express my support for Empire Wind 1, a significantly mature offshore wind project that promises to deliver substantial benefits to the state of New York. As the elected representing one of Brooklyn’s and New York City’s oldest industrial working waterfronts I understand the importance of sustainable and forward-thinking initiatives that have a positive impact on our community, the environment, and New York’s supply chain. Empire Wind 1’s goals and objectives align with and directly support New York’s climate, workforce and environmental justice goals, all of which I strongly support and advocate for. By endorsing the Empire Wind 1 project, we recognize that it is a priority to contribute to New York’s laudable and nation-leading climate goals, bolster our energy resilience, and promote energy independence. I encourage NYSERDA to support Empire Wind 1’s successful continued development so New Yorkers may benefit from offshore renewable energy and the regional economic advantages it stands to bring.” – New York City Council Member Alexa Avilés, District 38
“In addition, the Offshore Wind Innovation Hub — another community initiative instituted through Empire Wind 1 and its affiliates — recently graduated its first cohort. This initiative provides the opportunity for entrepreneurs and innovators to learn from mentors and other industry experts to help prepare future leaders in New York’s offshore wind industry. Empire Wind 1’s goals and objectives align with and directly support New York’s climate, workforce and environmental justice goals, all of which I strongly support and advocate for. By endorsing the Empire Wind 1 project, we recognize that it is a priority to contribute to New York’s laudable and nation-leading climate goals, bolster our energy resilience, and promote energy independence. I encourage NYSERDA to support Empire Wind 1’s successful continued development so New Yorkers may benefit from offshore renewable energy and the regional economic advantages it stands to bring.” – New York State Senator Kevin Parker, Chair of the Senate Committee on Energy & Telecommunications, District 21
“I write today in support of Equinor’s rebid for Empire Wind 1, a mature offshore wind project that will deliver substantial benefits to the State of New York. Projects like this will help us reach our ambitious climate and renewable energy goals while creating economic opportunities throughout the region and the State.” – New York State Assemblymember Didi Barrett, Chair of the Assembly Energy Committee, District 106
“I am writing on behalf of City of Albany to express our strong support for Empire Wind 1, a significantly mature offshore wind project that promises to deliver substantial benefits to the state of New York. As Mayor of Albany, I understand the importance of sustainable and forward-thinking initiatives that have a positive impact on our community, the environment, and New York’s supply chain. The Empire Wind 1 project represents a significant contribution to New York State’s ambitious goal of producing 9GWs of renewable energy by 2035 and will help combat climate change in one of the nation’s most vulnerable areas while fostering regional economic growth. Empire Wind 1 not only delivers a renewable source of energy, but also jobs, including numerous career opportunities through organized labor, education, and workforce development programs for New Yorkers at the forefront of this blossoming industry.” – Mayor Kathy Sheehan, City of Albany
“Equinor and Empire Wind have made substantial investments in a critical local asset at the Port of Albany. This project has already unlocked jobs and supply chain investments throughout the state and region and is under construction. This proposal creates potential for more investment in developing offshore wind manufacturing at the Port of Albany.” – New York State Assemblymember John T. McDonald III, District 108, and New York State Assemblymember Patricia Fahy, District 109
“Empire Wind 1 is a critical project for the state of New York and is poised to begin construction on local assets like the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal (SBMT) in the Spring of this year. This project has already unlocked jobs and supply chain investments throughout the state and region, including in the engineering and design of the port, marine surveys, and more. Numerous suppliers within the state are counting on this project to move forward. With construction of SBMT imminent, thousands of additional short-term construction and long-term operations and maintenance jobs are poised to be created. It is imperative that New York continue to invest in Empire Wind 1—a project that has already invested heavily in the state.” – Randy Peers, President and CEO, Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce.
“Vestas is proud to partner with Equinor as preferred turbine supplier for Empire Wind 1 to help New York achieve its ambitious offshore wind energy goals. We look forward to playing our part in this landmark project and delivering reliable and resilient wind energy to communities in New York. Empire Wind 1 is a critical step towards creating a sustainable industry for all participants and will enable the benefits of offshore wind to be broadly shared across the New York communities.” – Josh Irwin, Senior Vice President, Offshore Wind, Vestas North America
“The League proudly supports the State’s goal of achieving 70% clean energy by 2030, and 100% clean energy by 2040, including at least 9 gigawatts of offshore wind by 2035, a goal we believe needs to be raised to 20 gigawatts by 2050 to achieve 85% emissions reductions economy-wide. The proposed Empire Wind 1 project will help us to achieve those goals and realize those benefits near term.” – Julie Tighe, President, New York League of Conservation Voters
“Empire Wind l’s goals and objectives align with and directly support New York I encourage NYSERDA to support Empire Wind l’s successful continued development so New Yorkers may benefit from offshore renewable energy and the regional economic advantages it stands to bring.” – Chris Erikson, Business Manager, Local Union 3, IBEW
“Key awards already have been made through the Offshore Wind Ecosystem Fund. For example, the Ecosystem Fund awarded $5 million in community grants in partnership with the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) and the Sunset Park Task Force to support sustainable growth, empowerment of underserved areas, and climate justice in the offshore wind ecosystem in New York City. As an award recipient of the Ecosystem Fund, the Educational and Cultural Trust Fund will be establishing a program addressing offshore wind awareness in New York City K-12 schools and various community organizations.” – Michael Yee, Educational and Cultural Trust Fund of the Electrical Industry
“As a terminal operator, RHCT is the only port operator to own a fleet of zero emission electric terminal trucks in operation at a marine terminal, and as leaseholder and developer of the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal, we have worked for over eight years to ensure the emerging offshore wind industry has a modern port facility in the heart of New York City to develop and build its Offshore Wind projects to supply New York State and New York City with clean offshore wind power. Thanks to the tremendous commitment made by Equinor and BP to develop and build SBMT, we will soon turn that idea into reality with the start of construction at SBMT currently planned to commence later this year. In addition, our union labor force of over two hundred longshore men and women representing the International Longshoremen’s Union Local 1814 in Brooklyn will play a significant role in support of all Offshore Wind related port activities at SBMT.” – Michael T. Stamatis, Managing Partner, Sustainable South Brooklyn Marine Terminal LP, President and CEO Red Hook Container Terminal LLC
“I am writing on behalf of GE Grid Solutions to express our strong support for Empire Wind 1, a significantly mature offshore wind project that promises to deliver substantial benefits to the state of New York. As the North America Region Executive for GE Grid Solutions, I understand the importance of sustainable and forward-thinking initiatives that have a positive impact on our community, the environment, and New York’s supply chain.” – Andrew Goodman, Executive General Manager, North America GE Grid Solutions
“The undersigned officers are writing on behalf of the International Longshoremen’s Association, its Atlantic Coast District and its affiliated local unions in the Port of New York to express our strong support for Empire Wind 1, a significantly mature offshore wind project that promises to deliver substantial benefits to the state of New York. We understand the importance of sustainable and forward-thinking initiatives that have a positive impact on our community, the environment, and New York’s supply chain. Equinor has engaged labor unions in support of their commitments to negotiate agreements to help supply skilled trades workers for the construction of this offshore wind project. The construction of the SBMT port project alone will create hundreds of good-paying, union jobs-and lay the groundwork for future employment in the offshore wind industry.”- Peter Clark, Frank Agosta, Michael Izzo, Vice Presidents for the International Longshoremen’s Association
“I am writing on behalf of Local 1814, International Longshoremen’s Association to express our strong support for Empire Wind 1, a significantly mature offshore wind project that promises to deliver substantial benefits to the state of New York. As a President of Local 1814 of Brooklyn, New York, I understand the importance of sustainable and forward-thinking initiatives that have a positive impact on our community, the environment, and New York’s supply chain.”- Frank Agosta, President, International Longshoremen’s Association Local 1814
“Kingsborough Community College as lead on behalf of CUNY Offshore Wind Advisory Network (OWAN), would like to express our strong support for Empire Wind 1, a significantly mature offshore wind project that promises to deliver substantial benefits to the state of New York. As the consortium network of CUNY schools that includes Kingsborough Community College, LaGuardia Community College, City Technical College of New York and The College of Staten Island, servicing the New York City area, we understand the importance of sustainable and forward-thinking initiatives that have a positive impact on our community, the environment, and New York’s supply chain.” – Dr. Simone Rodriguez, Vice President for Workforce Development, Continuing Education and Strategic Partnerships, Kingsborough Community College
“Equinor has engaged labor unions in support of their commitments to negotiate agreements to help supply skilled trades workers for the construction of this offshore wind project. The construction of the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal (“SBMT”) port project alone will create hundreds of good-paying, union jobs-and lay the groundwork for future employment in the offshore wind industry.” – Edwin Christian, Business Manager, International Union of Operating Engineers Local 14-14B
“Key awards already have been made through the Offshore Wind Ecosystem Fund. For example, the Ecosystem Fund awarded $5 million in community grants in partnership with the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) and the Sunset Park Task Force to support sustainable growth, empowerment of underserved areas, and climate justice in the offshore wind ecosystem in New York City. In addition, the Offshore Wind Innovation Hub, which was another community initiative instituted through Empire Wind and its affiliates, recently graduated its first cohort. This initiative provides the opportunity for entrepreneurs and innovators to learn from mentors and other industry experts to help prepare future leaders in New York’s offshore wind industry.” – Sunil B. Gupta, Vice President Division of Adult and Continuing Education, LaGuardia Community College
“Empire Wind 1 is a critical project for the state of New York and is poised to begin construction on local assets like the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal (SBMT) in the Spring of this year. This project has already unlocked jobs and supply chain investments throughout the state and region, including in the engineering and design of the port, marine surveys, and more. Numerous suppliers within the state are counting on this project to move forward. With construction of SBMT imminent, thousands of additional short-term construction and long-term operations and maintenance jobs are poised to be created. It is imperative that New York continue to invest in Empire Wind 1—a project that has already invested heavily in the state.” – Bryan M. Brady II, Director of Training, Iron Workers Local 40 & 361
“The LIA supports Empire Wind 1’s goals and objectives on this project, which align with and directly support New York’s climate, workforce, and environmental justice priorities. This project will substantially contribute to New York’s laudable and nation-leading aspirations to address climate change and diversify our fuel mix. The LIA encourages NYSERDA to support Empire Wind 1’s successful continued development so New Yorkers may benefit from offshore renewable energy and the regional economic advantages it stands to bring.” – Matt Cohen, President & CEO, Long Island Association
“I am writing to express the Maritime Association of the Port of NY/NJ’s (MAPONYNJ) staunch support for Empire Wind 1, a significantly mature offshore wind project that promises to deliver substantial benefits to the state of New York. As an Association that represents the Commercial Maritime Industry in New York and New Jersey we understand the importance of sustainable and forward-thinking initiatives that have a positive impact on our community, the environment, and New York’s supply chain.” – Stephen Lyman, Executive Director, Maritime Association of the Port of New York and New Jersey
“Empire Wind 1 not only delivers a renewable source of energy, but also jobs, including numerous career opportunities through organized labor, education, and workforce development programs for New Yorkers at the forefront of this blossoming industry. Equinor has engaged labor unions in support of their commitments to negotiate agreements to help supply skilled trades workers for the construction of this offshore wind project. The construction of the SBMT port project alone will create hundreds of good-paying, union jobs-and lay the groundwork for future employment in the offshore wind industry.” – Joseph A. Geiger, Executive Secretary- Treasurer, New York City District Council of Carpenters
“During the last 18 months, UFL has in collaboration with Equinor and bp, created the Offshore Wind Innovation Hub (OWIH), which was another community initiative instituted through Empire Wind. We recently graduated the first cohort of startups from the program. This initiative provides the opportunity for entrepreneurs and innovators to learn from mentors and other industry experts to help prepare future leaders in New York’s offshore wind industry. During our engagement with Empire Wind, other critical investments that are complementary to the OWIH have been initiated. Firstly the construction of the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal (SBMT) which is set to begin Spring of this year. This project has already unlocked jobs and supply chain investments throughout the state and region, including in the engineering and design of the port, marine surveys, and more. Secondly, Empire Wind is also establishing an Offshore Wind Learning Center as part of its development of SBMT. The Learning Center will conduct offshore wind educational outreach to community stakeholders, including but not limited to K-12 students from NYC public Schools, participants in offshore wind educational programming, and the broader public interested in entering the industry. Finally, Empire Wind 1 has already supported numerous regional businesses, and community organizations through the Offshore Wind Ecosystem Fund. The Ecosystem Fund awarded $5 million in community grants in partnership with the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) and one of our OWIH cohort companies received funding from this fund to further develop their virtual training technology.” – Kurt H. Becker, PHD Director, Institute for Innovation, Innovation and Entrepreneurship NYU Tandon School of Engineering
“We were delighted to learn of the prospective Empire Wind 1 initiative at the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal (SBMT). This project has already unlocked jobs and supply chain investments throughout the state and region, including in the engineering and design of the port, marine surveys, and more. Numerous suppliers within the state are counting on this project to move forward. With construction of SBMT imminent, thousands of additional short-term construction and long-term operations and maintenance jobs are poised to be created. Empire Wind is also in the process of establishing an Offshore Wind Learning Center as part of its development of SBMT. The Learning Center will conduct offshore wind educational outreach to community stakeholders, including but not limited to K-12 students from NYC public Schools, participants in OSW educational programming, and the broader public interested in entering the industry.” – Morgan Monaco, President, Prospect Park Alliance
“I am writing on behalf of Skanska USA to express our strong support for Empire Wind 1, a project that will deliver substantial benefits to the state of New York. As a company that recognizes the role the construction industry plays in lowering carbon emissions and our responsibility to act, we believe the Empire Wind 1 project will provide a significant contribution to New York State’s ambitious goal of producing 9GWs of renewable energy by 2035 and will help combat climate change in one of the nation’s most vulnerable areas while fostering regional economic growth.” – Richard Kennedy, EVP, President and CEO, Skanska USA
“When fully built out, this project is expected to create over 1,000 jobs at SBMT and support 13,000 jobs locally. Local industrial and manufacturing businesses, particularly MWBEs, have a significant role to play in the supply chain for this new growing sector – furthering the preservation and creation of accessible good-paying jobs that have long formed the bedrock of our community. It is imperative that New York continue to invest in Empire Wind 1—a project that has already invested heavily in the state.” – Jesse Solomon, Executive Director, Southwest Brooklyn Industrial Development Corporation
“Empire Wind 1 has already supported numerous regional businesses, community organizations, and local initiatives through its longstanding presence in New York, and will continue to do so throughout the project’s construction and operation. We understand that more than $16 million in workforce, education, and innovation initiatives have been committed through Empire Wind, with even more set to be potentially invested by the Empire Wind 1 project in support of local organizations and communities. Key awards have already been made through the Offshore Wind Ecosystem Fund. For example, the Ecosystem Fund awarded $5 million in community grants in partnership with the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) and the Sunset Park Task Force to support sustainable growth, empowerment of underserved areas, and climate justice in the offshore wind ecosystem in New York City, and investment my organization benefitted from, which will ultimately benefit young people in the neighborhood in learning about green jobs.” – Rebecca Guerrero Ames, Director of Development and Communications, City Growers
“I encourage NYSERDA to support Empire Wind 1’s successful continued development so New Yorkers may benefit from offshore renewable energy and the regional economic advantages it stands to bring.” – Cortney Koenig Worrall, President and CEO, Waterfront Alliance
