Mayor de Blasio has debuted a nearly $200 million plan to power the city on 100% “clean” electricity by 2030.
Offshore wind turbines, such as these giants, are envisioned as the cornerstone for “green” energy production in New York.
New York City is making a big investment in renewable energy that will literally change the city’s landscape.
Last week, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced plans for a $191 million investment in offshore wind turbines that will help the city reach a goal of 100% clean electricity production by 2030 and reaching full carbon neutrality by 2050.
Developed in collaboration with the New York City Economic Development Corporation, the Offshore Wind Vision plan promises to reduce 34.5 million tons of carbon dioxide, the equivalent of removing 500,000 cars from Manhattan streets, while generating 13,000 jobs and $1.3 billion in average annual investments.
“The climate crisis is real,” De Blasio said in a release. “New York City will serve as the model for taking climate action and growing the offshore wind industry with a real long-term vision plan focused on equity. We have the opportunity now to deliver on promises and set the city on a path towards a sustainable future.”
New York Senator Charles Schumer praised de Blasio for understanding that “transforming our energy system will drive our economy to new heights.”
“This forward-looking plan to grow the offshore wind industry sets New York City up to reduce emissions while creating good green jobs,” the Senate Majority Leader said in the statement.
To ensure the program benefits the city and its residents while still providing safe and renewable energy, the Economic Development Corporation will establish an advisory council composed of community, business, scientific, and environmental-justice leaders.
40% of jobs and investments will be directed toward women, minorities, and environmental justice communities.
Today, offshore wind generates less than 1 % of the world’s electrical power. But according to the International Energy Agency, as countries look to reduce dependency on fossil fuels, the market will expand 15 fold and transform into a trillion dollar industry by 2040.
The White House has set a national goal of 30 gigawatts of offshore wind by 2030, which would generate electricity for 10 million American homes while cutting 85 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions.
