New York Wraps Up European Offshore Wind Transmission Study

The New York Power Authority (NYPA) has completed the study of European offshore wind transmission models which aims to help guide New York towards its 9GW by 2035 goal.

The study examined transmission and grid interconnection strategies, as well as development and electricity rate structures in the UK, Germany, the Netherlands and Denmark.

It found that planning for scale and encouraging healthy competition have been key to the growth of offshore wind in the four countries, while cross-border coordination has helped leverage planned transmission infrastructure, provide resource flexibility and take advantage of economies of scale.

According to NYPA, transparent, long-term, on and offshore grid planning removes barriers to entry, improves coordination and lowers costs, while long-term grid planning, coordination and performance incentive alignment are important for parties to finish projects timely.

“Offshore wind is an important renewable energy source that will help New York State achieve Governor Cuomo’s nation-leading clean energy goals,” said Gil C. Quiniones, NYPA’s President and CEO.

“We see great value in studying what European countries have learned about transmission and interconnection infrastructure. We can now apply those learnings to build cost-effective projects that benefit all New Yorkers and our key partners and stakeholders while advancing the Governor’s aggressive climate goals.”

NYPA led the study, while other project partners include New York Independent System Operator (NYISO), Con Edison, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) and the National Grid.