South Fork Wind Project Crosses Major Milestone

South Fork Wind Project Crosses Major Milestone

New York State’s first offshore wind farm, South Fork Wind, achieved its “steel in the water” milestone following the installation of the project’s first monopile foundation, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced.

The project is on track to become the country’s first utility-scale offshore wind farm to be completed in federal waters when operation begins by the end of this year. South Fork Wind will install its U.S.-built offshore substation in the coming days. The project supports the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act goal to develop 9,000 megawatts of offshore wind by 2035. 

“Today marks a significant step in New York’s clean energy journey and for LIPA’s commitment to ensure a sustainable and resilient future for our customers,” said Long Island Power Authority CEO Tom Falcone. “Years in the making, this project milestone signifies that our efforts are transforming from vision into reality.”

The South Fork Wind project is one of five offshore wind projects that the state has in active development. This large portfolio totals more than 4,300 megawatts, will power more than 2.4 million New York homes, and is expected to bring a combined economic impact of $12.1 billion to the state. 

“New York is leading offshore wind development and building a green economy that will support hundreds of good-paying jobs and benefit generations to come,” Gov. Hochul said. “This progress on building the first utility-scale offshore wind project in the country cements New York as a national hub for the offshore wind industry.”

The wind project now enters the turbine installation phase. Construction and transport barges, tugboats, crew vessels, and protected special observer vessels will be active at the offshore construction site located approximately 35 miles east of Montauk. The operation will involve vessel and crane operators, boat captains and crew, engineers, welders, scientists, protected species observers, and many others. 

The National Offshore Wind Agreement with North America’s Building Trades Unions ensures that Ørsted and Eversource contractors and subcontractors that will perform offshore wind farm construction are covered. This includes New York local union members such as ironworkers, pile drivers, divers, operating engineers, electricians, laborers and other members of the region’s building trades.