The first offshore wind turbine was built in New York

The inaugural wind turbine has been successfully installed, marking the commencement of an offshore wind farm in New York State. Named South Fork Wind, this project is set to be the first utility-scale wind farm located in U.S. federal waters.

The installation will comprise 12 SG 11-200 DD Siemens Gamesa wind turbines. Spanning a capacity of 130 megawatts (MW), this wind farm is positioned 35 miles off the coast of Montauk, New York.

European-American cooperation

Developed by the Danish renewable energy giant Ørsted in collaboration with Boston-based energy provider Eversource, South Fork Wind is making significant strides. The first turbine substructure was installed in late June, and the construction of the offshore substation, a pioneering venture in the U.S., was finalized in late July.

With the capacity to power 70,000 homes in New York City, South Fork Wind will contribute clean energy directly to the East Hampton electrical grid through a transmission line installed in March. The Long Island Power Authority is set to purchase the generated power through a 20-year agreement.

Anticipated to reduce up to 6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions, equivalent to removing 60,000 cars from the road annually over 25 years, this project aims to have all 12 turbines operational by the end of 2023 or early 2024.

Development of wind energy in the USA

South Fork Wind stands as the pioneer, but certainly not the sole, offshore wind farm project in the United States slated for construction in the near future. In a significant move in July of this year, the administration of President Biden gave the green light to an offshore wind farm project off the coast of New Jersey. This forthcoming system is projected to generate ample renewable energy to power as many as 500,000 households.

Source: electrek.co