810-MW Empire Wind 1 Slated To Begin Commercial Operations in 2027
By Simon West
Equinor has secured more than US$3 billion in financing for its 810-megawatt (MW) Empire Wind 1 offshore wind energy project off the coast of New York.
The Norwegian developer, which acquired the Empire Wind lease area in 2017, said total capital investments including fees for using the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal (SBMT) in Sunset Park, New York – an offshore hub poised to become one of the largest dedicated port facilities for offshore wind in the U.S. – would be about US$5 billion.
The company also intends to farm down in the project to a new partner to further boost value and reduce exposure, it added.
“Today's financial close maintains our momentum toward bringing a significant source of power to the grid. Empire Wind 1 will strengthen U.S. energy security, build economic growth and fuel a new American supply chain,” said Molly Morris, Equinor’s senior VP for renewables in the Americas.
“Our redevelopment of the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal is already putting more than 1,000 people to work. Equinor is proud to play a part in advancing domestic energy solutions safely, efficiently and for the long term.”
The Empire Wind project, located 15 to 30 miles southeast of Long Island, is being developed in two phases, with commercial operations at Empire Wind 1 slated to start in 2027. The facility is expected to power half a million New York homes.
Empire Wind 2 has a potential capacity of more than 1,200 MW.
Danish turbine manufacturer Vestas announced in September it had secured a deal to supply, deliver and commission 54 of its V236-15.0-MW turbines for Empire Wind 1.
Dutch offshore foundation maker Sif is producing the project’s monopiles and transition pieces.
Equinor is a member of the Breakbulk Global Shipper Network.
TOP PHOTO: The South Brooklyn Marine Terminal. CREDIT: Equinor
SECOND: Molly Morris, senior VP for renewables for the Americas. CREDIT: Brian Young/Equinor
