BOEM Announces Next Steps for Proposed New York – New Jersey Wind Energy Transmission Line

BOEM Announces Next Steps for Proposed New York – New Jersey Wind Energy Transmission Line

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) announced the publication of a ‘Request for Competitive Interest’ for the development of the New York and New Jersey Wind Energy Transmission Line, an offshore transmission system that would deliver offshore wind energy to the onshore electric grid. The publication marks the next step in BOEM’s review and consideration of a potential New York-New Jersey Wind Energy Transmission Line.

Anbaric Development Partners, LLC (ADP) has requested a right-of-way grant to develop the NY/NJ Ocean Grid, but prior to reviewing the right-of-way application, BOEM must determine whether there are other developers interested in the same area. BOEM will publish a Request for Competitive Interest in the Federal Register on June 19, 2019.

“Offshore transmission infrastructure will be critical to the long-term success of the offshore wind industry,” said BOEM Acting Director Walter Cruickshank. “We look forward to working with our state and local government partners, industry and others as we continue to oversee responsible offshore wind development while diversifying our nation’s energy portfolio.”

In addition, BOEM is providing an opportunity for the public and interested stakeholders to provide comments on the ADP right-of-way request. Comments may include information relating to potential effects on the environment and marine habitats; geological and geophysical conditions (including bottom and shallow hazards); archaeological, historic, and/or cultural resources; and the multiple uses that exist in the area, including commercial and recreational fishing. Feedback received will be incorporated into an Environmental Assessment (EA) analyzing the potential impacts of granting a right-of-way and associated survey activities. The EA will include additional opportunities for stakeholders to provide feedback and additional comments.

ADP’s proposed project would entail the construction, installation, and operation of an offshore transmission system to deliver offshore wind energy to the onshore electric grid. This includes the siting of several offshore collector platforms (OCPs), each connected to one or more high voltage subsea export cables to onshore points of interconnection. Each proposed OCP would be designed to handle 800 to 1,200 megawatts of offshore wind energy, with the ability to connect multiple offshore wind projects and accommodate phased development within BOEM’s designated Wind Energy Areas.

If BOEM receives indications of competitive interest from qualified entities, the bureau may decide to move forward with the right-of-way grant issuance process using competitive procedures. BOEM will continue to consult with the state task force and partners regarding the proposed transmission project.