Empire Wind Project approved amid turbulent times for industry

The federal government has granted final approval for the construction and operation plan of the Empire Wind projects, marking a significant milestone despite challenges in the offshore wind industry.

With this key permitting action by the Bureau of Ocean Energy, Empire Wind is on track to begin construction in its federal lease area off the southern coast of Long Island later this year. Already well advanced in planning and development, Empire Wind 1 could deliver first power to New Yorkers by 2026. Empire Wind projects, would see turbines starting 12 miles off the South Shore at Long Beach.

In addition, construction to transform the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal into a major hub for offshore wind could begin as early as this spring.

“We are ready to get to work,” said Molly Morris, president of Equinor Renewables Americas. “The Construction and Operations 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.”

Equinor, the developer, navigates changes in project partnerships and seeks state support for cost adjustments. The approval covers Empire 1 and 2, totaling over 2,000 megawatts, emphasizing clean energy expansion efforts and climate change mitigation.

Empire Wind developer Equinor announced separation earlier this year with its partner developer BP, in which Equinor took over the Empire projects, while BP took on their Beacon Wind projects.

Long Beach, Oceanside and Island Park residents have raised questions about the Empire 2 project. Gov. Kathy Hochul last year vetoed a bill that would have cleared a path for the project.