Bosses at Equinor have heralded the firm’s latest contract win as a “game changer” for its North American operations.
The Norwegian energy giant, alongside side strategic partner BP, has bagged one of the largest renewable energy procurements in the U.S. to date to supply New York State with offshore wind power.
Under the award, the Empire Wind 2 development will provide the region with 1,260 megawatts (MW) of green power, while Beacon Wind 1 will supply an additional 1,230 MW of power.
That’s on top of the existing commitment to provide New York with 816 MW of renewable power from Empire Wind 1 – totaling 3.3 gigawatts (GW) of power to the state.
© Supplied by EquinorThe execution of the procurement award is subject to the successful negotiation of a purchase and sale agreement, which the partnership is looking to finalise with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).
Equinor said that the offshore developments will help drive the region’s economic rebound and “strengthen disadvantaged communities”.
As part of the contract award, Equinor and BP will also work with the state government to transform two of New York ports – the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal (SBMT) and the Port of Albany – into large-scale offshore wind working industrial facilities.
Anders Opedal, chief executive of Equinor, said: “These projects will deliver homegrown, renewable electricity to New York and play a major role in the State’s ambitions of becoming a global offshore wind hub.
“The U.S. East Coast is one of the most attractive growth markets for offshore wind in the world. The successful bids for Empire Wind 2 and Beacon Wind 1 represent a game-changer for our offshore wind business in the U.S. and underline Equinor’s commitment to be a leading company in the energy transition.
“These projects will also create value through economies of scale and support our strategic ambition of becoming a global offshore wind major.”
Siri Espedal Kindem, president of Equinor Wind U.S., said: “Together, Equinor and the State of New York will create a robust offshore wind supply chain capable of manufacturing, assembling, and staging these projects at scale.
“As Equinor works to expand its renewable energy presence across the United States and the globe, New York’s leadership clearly illustrates the transformative benefits of offshore wind on climate goals and economic activity alike.
“We are looking forward to developing Empire Wind and Beacon Wind together with local authorities, communities and our incoming partner bp in growing this new industry.”
