Sunrise Wind has received its Record of Decision (RoD) from the US Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM). This crucial milestone marks the completion of a rigorous federal environmental review process for the offshore wind project, which aims to serve the energy needs of New York State.
Moreover, Orsted and Eversource have jointly announced the final investment decision on Sunrise Wind, signaling a firm commitment to realizing the project. With this decision, the partners are set to commence vital onshore construction activities.
The advancement of these major milestones brings the ambitious 924-megawatt project one step closer to fruition, promising significant economic benefits for New York and contributing to the state’s climate goals.
Situated approximately 30 miles east of Montauk, New York, Sunrise Wind is poised to become the largest offshore wind farm in the United States upon completion. Its renewable energy output is expected to power nearly 600,000 homes in New York, substantially bolstering the state’s renewable energy capacity.
Sunrise Wind represents a crucial component of New York’s strategy to achieve 70 percent renewable energy by 2030, while also catalyzing the growth of the offshore wind workforce and supply chain. The project is projected to inject $700 million in investment into Suffolk County and create 800 direct jobs, along with numerous indirect employment opportunities statewide. Operations are slated to commence in 2026.
Doreen M. Harris, President and CEO of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), hailed the milestones achieved by Orsted and Eversource as emblematic of New York’s leadership in fostering the offshore wind industry. She emphasized the substantial economic investments and job creation opportunities that projects like Sunrise Wind bring to communities across the state.
Recently, New York State selected Sunrise Wind to negotiate a 25-year contract aimed at providing reliable green energy to the state. The project is currently finalizing agreements with NYSERDA on this offshore wind renewable energy certificates (OREC) contract.
David Hardy, Executive Vice President and CEO of Region Americas at Orsted, expressed confidence in Sunrise Wind’s potential to build upon the success of the South Fork Wind project, further advancing the economic benefits and clean energy contributions of offshore wind in New York.
Joe Nolan, Chairman, President, and CEO of Eversource Energy, underscored the readiness of the project to begin constructing the transmission system necessary to connect Sunrise Wind’s clean power to the New York electric grid. He emphasized the project’s role in fulfilling the promise of creating jobs and advancing the energy transition in New York.
BOEM’s issuance of the Record of Decision formally concludes the National Environmental Policy Act review process for Sunrise Wind, paving the way for the anticipated approval of the project’s construction and operations plan (COP) this summer.
As previously announced, Orsted is set to acquire Eversource’s 50 percent ownership share of Sunrise Wind, becoming the project’s sole owner pending the signing of an OREC contract with NYSERDA, finalization of acquisition agreements, COP approval, and other relevant regulatory approvals. Eversource will continue to lead the project’s onshore construction efforts.