Construction of over half of the components for the Sunrise Wind Foundation is complete, with offshore construction set to commence in 2025.
The Sunrise Wind project, a significant offshore wind energy initiative in New York, is set to make a substantial impact on the state's economy, particularly through job creation and industrial activity. Developed by Ørsted, the project is expected to cost approximately $9.4 billion[4].
Job Creation
While exact figures for Sunrise Wind-specific jobs are not yet available, offshore wind projects of this scale typically generate thousands of jobs across various sectors. The U.S. offshore wind industry currently supports over 17,000 jobs related to canceled projects, demonstrating the sector's capacity for high employment[2]. Given Sunrise Wind's size, its construction and operational phases are likely to provide a significant number of high-skilled, local jobs in New York.
Construction and Industrial Activity
Offshore wind projects require specialized manufacturing of large turbine foundation parts. This activity can stimulate local industrial capacity, including steel fabrication, concrete production, and marine construction services. Though specific data for Sunrise Wind’s foundation components is not available, Ørsted’s large fundraising effort and continued project development suggest ongoing investment in these construction elements essential for offshore wind infrastructure[4][5].
Local Impact
The Port of Coeymans is now among the first ports in the country to be mobilized for the construction of advanced foundation components for an offshore wind farm. The turbine foundation components, ranging from 12 to 120 tonnes each, are being constructed at the Port of Coeymans, representing an investment of over $86 million by the developer into New York's supply chain[5]. Over 120 tradespeople from local unions are contributing to the construction of these components.
Regulatory Challenges
Recent political and regulatory challenges have threatened offshore wind growth and related job opportunities nationally, potentially impacting Sunrise Wind's timeline and economic benefits[2][3][5].
Timeline
In July, Ørsted began onshore construction on the transmission system that will connect Sunrise Wind to Long Island's electric grid. The success of the 130 MW South Fork Wind, the nation's first commercial-scale offshore wind farm, builds on the success of the Sunrise Wind project.
Conclusion
The Sunrise Wind project is a critical component of New York's offshore wind industry and local economy, creating more than 800 direct jobs and thousands of indirect jobs in the state[3]. The project is a key part of Ørsted's plan to invest USD 20 billion by 2030 in building up America's clean energy industry and supply chain[6].
- The substantial investment of $9.4 billion in the Sunrise Wind project will not only drive the construction and operational phases of the offshore wind energy project but also stimulate local industrial activity, such as steel fabrication, concrete production, and marine construction services.
- The U.S. offshore wind industry, with Sunrise Wind being a significant part, has significant potential for high employment, currently supporting over 17,000 jobs related to projects in development.
- The local impact of the Sunrise Wind project is marked by the investment of over $86 million in the Port of Coeymans for the construction of turbine foundation components, providing work for more than 120 tradespeople from local unions.
