Sunrise Wind, New York’s largest offshore wind project, has received approval of its construction and operations plan (COP) from the US Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), which is the final permit needed from the federal agency to move the project towards the start of offshore construction. 

With a capacity of 924 MW, Sunrise Wind will generate enough renewable energy to power nearly 600,000 New York homes.

The COP approval outlines the project’s one nautical mile wind turbine spacing, the requirements for the construction methodology for all work occurring in federal ocean waters, and mitigation measures to protect marine habitats and species. 

The approval of the COP is in line with BOEM’s permitting timeline and follows the agency’s issuance of its Record of Decision in March 2024, which concluded the thorough BOEM-led environmental review of the project. Ørsted and Eversource reached these provisions and protections working closely with a range of external organisations and experts, a commitment the companies carry to all stakeholder relationships to help ensure coexistence. 
 
"Sunrise Wind is a centrepiece of New York’s clean energy vision, and with this final federal approval, we can officially put the construction phase in motion," said David Hardy, Executive Vice President and CEO of Region Americas at Ørsted. He continued: "BOEM’s approval is an important milestone not just for New York but also for America’s domestic energy sector. We’re grateful for the continued leadership of BOEM Director Elizabeth Klein and all the federal, state, and local leaders who are committed to offshore wind. Sunrise Wind builds on our success with South Fork Wind and will deliver more jobs, economic development, and clean energy to New York.” 

Sunrise Wind recently finalised its agreements with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) on the project’s 25-year offshore wind renewable energy certificate (OREC) contract. 
 
The Sunrise Wind team will now accelerate work on the onshore transmission system, with offshore construction ramping up later this year at the project site approximately 30 miles (approximately 48 km) east of Montauk, New York. The project is expected to be operational in 2026.

Sunrise Wind

Sunrise Wind brings unparalleled experience in developing offshore wind to New Yorkers, as a 50/50 partnership between Ørsted, the global leader in offshore wind and a global leader in climate action, and Eversource, a national energy leader with homegrown expertise in regional energy transmission, including more than 100 years of experience delivering power to the region. Ørsted - which has been ranked the most sustainable energy developer in the world - envisions a world run entirely on green energy while Eversource is one of the nation's most responsible companies, as ranked by Newsweek, Forbes and JUST capital and has committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2030, faster than any other utility in the U.S.

Project at a glance

What it is?
An approximately 924 MW offshore wind farm – with the potential capacity to power nearly 600,000 homes

Who's behind it?
50/50 partnership between Ørsted and Eversource

When is it happening?
Sunrise Wind received approval of its construction and operations plan (COP) from the US Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) in June 2024, and the project is expected to be operational in 2026.

Where is it?
At least 30 miles east of Montauk Point, virtually unnoticeable to Long Island residents and beachgoers

Why do it?
Providing residents with 100% renewable energy to help New York accomplish a carbon-free energy grid by 2040

Sunrise Wind is estimated to generate up to at least 800 direct jobs through the project’s construction. Thousands of other indirect and induced jobs will be created to support project work.

Additionally, Sunrise Wind is entering negotiations with New York State contractors and trade labor organizations on a Project Labor Agreement to cover construction activities for the project, and committing to paying prevailing wages.

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