In April 2002, at the urging of LIOWI member groups, LIPA commissioned a study co-funded with the New York Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), to evaluate whether offshore wind power generation could be used on Long Island in a meaningful way.

The results of the study, Long Island's Offshore Wind Energy Development Potential: A Preliminary Assessment were so encouraging that LIPA initiated a project for the construction of a moderately sized Offshore Wind Farm capable of generating approximately 140 MW, enough to power 44,000 homes.

Under the banner of the Long Island Offshore Wind Initiative (LIOWI), a coalition of local, state, and national environmental organizations have been working with LIPA to help advance the use of offshore wind technology for the region’s energy needs and environmental benefit.

Why an offshore wind farm for Long Island?
Whereas in other parts of the Country wind power is becoming very popular, Long Island, due to population density and development, does not have abundant suitable space for large wind farms. However, our expansive offshore waters yield strong and consistent winds along the South Shore of Long Island.

In January of 2003, LIPA issued an RFP seeking proposals to build, own and operate an offshore wind park. After an extensive competitive bidding and selection process, LIPA selected FPL Energy to build and operate the wind park, which is to consist of 40 3.6 megawatt wind turbines in a cluster design several miles southwest of Robert Moses State Park. LIPA plans to enter into a long-term power purchase agreement for the electricity generated by this 100% pollution-free power source.

While offshore wind projects are common in Europe, LIPA’s wind park could be the first such project to actually be operating in the United States. The project will undergo extensive environmental and regulatory review by numerous agencies before any construction can begin. Commercial operation is expected by 2008.

This ground-breaking project will prove to the country that we can generate electricity that is free of pollution and fuel surcharges, and does not compromise our nation’s energy security.


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Click here for a map of the layout of the planned wind park(Adobe Reader required)

Click here for a nautical chart with layout of the submarine transmission cables for the planned wind park(Adobe Reader required)

To view additional photo simulations of what the wind park will look like go to:
http://www.fplenergy.com/projects/contents/long_island_wind_cedar_beach.shtml

To download an FPL Energy Fact Sheet on the wind park go to:
http://www.fplenergy.com/projects/pdf/liwind_factsheet.pdf
(Adobe Acrobat Reader required)