New York offshore wind project receives final federal approval, allowing construction to begin

A 84-turbine offshore wind farm off the coast of New York has received its final federal approval. 

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management announced the decision Friday, which follows the Department of Interior’s approval in March.  

The Sunrise Wind Project, which is being developed by Orsted and Eversource Energy, is expected to begin operation in 2026. It will deliver 924 megawatts when the wind is blowing. 

Over the course of a month, with a capacity factor of about 40%, the project could power about 296,000 homes with backup from fossil fuel, nuclear or hydroelectric resources. 

It’s been met with projects and lawsuits from Rhode Island fishermen. In September, the entire board of the Rhode Island Fisherman’s Advisory Board resigned in protest when state officials approved the project.

In a letter to the officials, the resigning members called the project “wholesale ocean destruction.” 

The project will be located south of Martha’s Vineyard, in Massachusetts, and east of Montauk, New York.