A newly formed collaborative between the private sector and a host of New York State and New York City agencies have issued a Request for Information (RFI) for a wind farm.

The group is exploring the possibility of creating an offshore wind project that would be situated approximately 13 miles off the south shore of the Rockaway Peninsula in the Atlantic Ocean.

The initiative is a step towards the development of what could be the largest offshore wind farm proposal in the country. The wind project would likely be designed for 350 MW of generation, with the ability to expand it to 700 MW. 

Issuance of the RFI is expected to be a precursor to a Request for Proposals (RFP) anticipated for release by the end of 2009.

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority mentioned that the offshore wind collaborative initiative complements Governor Paterson’s comprehensive energy agenda. The concept for the offshore wind project emanated from Governor David A. Paterson’s Renewable Energy Task Force and is consistent with the Governor’s “45 by 15” programme, which establishes the goal for New York State to meet 45% of its electricity needs through improved energy efficiency and renewable sources by the year 2015.

The transmission interconnection study concluded that an interconnection for up to 700 MW of wind power, located at a proposed location in the Atlantic Ocean would be feasible with upgrades to the current transmission systems. An application to interconnect the offshore wind project has been filed with the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) for up to 700 MW by 2015.