JOC.com
New York state plans a potentially “game-changing” bid on a federal lease to develop an Atlantic Ocean wind farm that could generate sizeable demand for heavy-lift and other project shipments.
The state hopes to reduce the cost of developing the offshore wind farm, which officials see as a way to help achieve their goal of of generating half of New York state’s power needs from renewable energy by 2030.
Although U.S. wind energy got a boost in December from a five-year renewal of federal tax credits, high costs remain an obstacle to many projects. A 30-megawatt wind energy farm off Block Island, Rhode Island, is expected to begin operation by year-end, but financing problems or local opposition have stalled other U.S. offshore wind projects.