### Community Offshore Wind Unveils Ambitious Plans for New York Bight
In a significant move towards advancing New York’s renewable energy goals, Community Offshore Wind (COW), a joint venture between RWE and National Grid Ventures, has submitted a comprehensive proposal to develop substantial offshore wind capacities in the New York Bight. This area south of Long Island and southeast of New York City is poised to play a crucial role in the state’s efforts to transition to cleaner energy sources.
#### Project Overview
The proposed project, aimed at delivering clean energy to power hundreds of thousands of New York homes, would be developed in the 3.2 GW seabed lease acquired by COW in 2022. This lease area in the New York Bight holds immense wind energy potential, capable of generating up to 3 GW of offshore wind energy. The project’s primary objective is to meet New York’s ambitious clean energy targets, which include reducing carbon emissions and increasing the state’s renewable energy portfolio.
#### Economic Impact
The proposed project is expected to drive significant economic growth. It is anticipated to create nearly 700 direct jobs and stimulate approximately $3 billion in economic activity, predominantly focused on workforce development and local economic benefits. Community Offshore Wind has committed to utilizing New York’s skilled union workforce for project construction and has pledged to invest up to $250 million in union workforce development, environmental funding, STEM programming in Title 1 schools, and resources for Minority/Women-Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBEs) and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (SDVOBs).
#### Renewable Energy Goals
New York State aims to achieve 70% renewable energy by 2030 and 100% clean electricity by 2040. The development of offshore wind is central to these goals, with an expected 9,000 MW of offshore wind capacity to help achieve the targets. Governor Kathy Hochul’s 10-Point Action Plan for expanding and supporting the large-scale renewable energy industry in New York is a significant driver behind these initiatives, along with diversifying the state’s sources of electricity and combating severe weather impacts.
#### Community Engagement
COW has emphasized its commitment to community engagement, recognizing the importance of building trust and equitable economic opportunities through direct community relations and workforce development programs. This approach is reflective of the company’s hyper-local, people-first strategy, aiming to make a positive impact on local communities by delivering clean energy jobs and growing