South Fork Wind Project: Working Toward CLCPA Goals

New York is increasingly adopting clean energy strategies to meet the goals set forth in the state’s 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). The CLCPA commits to 100% zero emission electricity by 2040 and sets legally binding emission reduction standards to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

The South Fork Wind Project is one of the initiatives meant to steer New York in this direction. This project involved the construction of the first commercial-scale offshore wind farm in order to provide clean energy to 70,000 homes.

On March 14, 2024, it was announced that the South Fork Wind Project was complete and delivering power to Long Island and the Rockaways. This placed New York on the map as the first state to own an offshore wind farm of such a scale. The successful completion of the South Fork Wind Project supports progress toward the CLCPA’s goal of 70% renewable energy by 2030.

The wind farm is located 35 miles off the coast of Montauk and provides 130 megawatts of renewable energy. There are 12 turbines in total. This project is one of many steps that New York State is taking to combat climate change and the effects it has on communities.

Why the South Fork Wind Project Is a Big Milestone

Offshore wind industry successes will result in localization of clean energy manufacturing and improvement of air quality in environmental justice communities. South Fork Wind is expected to reduce carbon emissions by a total of six million tons, which is equivalent to removing 60,000 cars from the road.

New York State has a set goal of deploying nine gigawatts of offshore wind power by 2035. With other projects underway (including Empire Wind I and Sunrise Wind), the successful completion and launch of South Fork Wind shows progress toward this goal.

Do you want to learn more about green energy or how new regulations (often related to CLCPA requirements) may impact your business? Contact Walden at 516-518-3705. Our experts have current knowledge of regulatory requirements and can help your business remain compliant. Additionally, Walden is a qualified New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) FlexTech Consultant and can help you complete energy-related projects.