Equinor, BP launch 1.36-GW bid in New York offshore wind tender

January 27 (Renewables Now) - Norwegian energy group Equinor ASA (NYSE:EQNR) and oil-and-gas multinational BP Plc (LON:BP) have launched a joint bid as part of New York State's third offshore wind solicitation.

The duo said on Thursday it filed its proposal with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). January 26 was the last day for submitting offers in the 2-GW competitive offshore wind solicitation launched last summer.

Equinor and BP are participating in the competition with a 1,360-MW project within the Beacon Wind 2 lease area located 60 miles off Long Island. If installed, the capacity could generate power for around one million homes in New York.

The two developers, which plan to realise the project through a 50/50 partnership, estimate that Beacon Wind 2 will bring more than USD 11 billion (EUR 10.08bn) in new economic activity to New York over its lifespan. Their proposal comes with plans for a new cable components factory for the offshore wind industry and port infrastructure facilities.

Beacon Wind 2 adds to a portfolio of three offshore wind projects that BP and Equinor are developing off New York – the Empire Wind 1 and 2 and Beacon Wind 1 schemes, which will add a combined capacity of 3.3 GW.

(USD 1.0 = EUR 0.917)