The New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) has selected the Propel Alternate Solution 5 project for the Long Island Offshore Wind Export Public Policy Transmission Need solicitation.
The project will be developed by the New York Power Authority and New York Transco – a partnership called Propel NY – to deliver at least 3,000MW from offshore wind projects through adding around 90 miles of three new underground cables connecting Long Island with the rest of New Yok and a 345kV transmission backbone across western/central Long Island.
New York Transco is an electric transmission developer owned by Con Edison Transmission, National Grid Ventures, Avangrid and Central Hudson Electric Transmission.
The project is required to be in-service by May 2030 with an estimated capital cost of $3.26 billion.
NYISO began a competitive solicitation process to meet the identified need of delivering energy from offshore wind projects connected to Long Island, receiving a total of nineteen proposals from four developers. NYISO said 15 other proposals were deemed viable and sufficient.
Other bidders included one proposal from LS Power Grid Corporation I, nine from NextEra Energy Transmission New York, and six from Propel NY.
New York's Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act mandates the procurement of 9,000MW of offshore wind by 2035, which is among the nation's most ambitious targets.
“National Grid Ventures is fortunate to be in a position where we are developing offshore wind infrastructure in the New York Bight under Community Offshore Wind and then helping deliver that clean energy through Propel NY Energy,” said Will Hazelip, president of National Grid Ventures, US Northeast.
Stuart Nachmias, President and CEO of Con Edison Transmission added: "By boosting energy transfers between Long Island and the rest of the State, Propel NY Energy will add flexibility and resilience to the electric grid while supporting the continued development of New York's offshore wind industry.”
"A clean energy future is not possible without large-scale transmission, which is why projects like Propel NY Energy and partnerships like New York Transco are so important," said Pedro Azagra, Avangrid CEO. "Avangrid is very proud to be helping lead the United States' clean energy transition as the country's third largest wind operator and by developing the infrastructure needed to deliver that renewable energy to customers.
New York Transco is also currently constructing the New York Energy Solution (upgrades on a 54-mile existing utility corridor) and the Rock Tavern to Sugarloaf Project (a 12-mile electric transmission upgrade), while its Dover Station Project (a proposed new electric substation facility) is under development.