NYSERDA Seeks Consultants for NY Offshore Wind Master Plan

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is seeking to expand its pool of expert consultants to help develop the Offshore Wind Master Plan.

NYSERDA intends to select expert technical consultants through a competitive process for three-year contracts worth a total of up to $1.5 million with an option to extend for an additional two years. Funding is through the Clean Energy Fund, a core component of Governor Cuomo’s Reforming the Energy Vision strategy to build a clean, resilient and affordable energy system for all New Yorkers.

The consultants would provide support in project development and permitting assistance, site selection and desktop development studies, and assistance in more fully understanding the issues and opportunities around grid interconnection of offshore wind energy. They would also help NYSERDA with stakeholder engagement and supply chain/workforce development.

Furthermore, the selected consultants would analyse offshore wind cost, as well as options for economic arrangements to support energy offtake agreements for offshore wind projects that optimise the value to ratepayers.

Consultants can apply for consideration in one or more categories. Proposals are due by January 12, 2017.

“Offshore wind is crucial to meeting New York’s ambitious energy and clean energy job goals under Governor Cuomo’s leadership,” said John B. Rhodes, President and CEO, NYSERDA. “NYSERDA is looking to engage the very best thinking and expertise from the most experienced and knowledgeable experts, as we advance our strategy to responsibly develop this vital energy resource.”

NYSERDA is the lead entity coordinating the Master Plan, which will be a comprehensive strategy for developing New York’s offshore wind resources, and will include recommendations on the best ways to maximise the development and usage of offshore wind for the State.

The Master Plan, to be released in 2017 will identify offshore wind sites and will set targets for capacity and commercial operations dates at each site.