(Invenergy Wind Offshore, 28.Feb.2022) — Invenergy Wind Offshore LLC, led by project sponsors Invenergy and energyRe, was named provisional winner for an 83,976-acre area of seabed by the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM). The winning bid of $645mn secured lease OCS-A 0542, one of the largest awarded in the New York Bight offshore wind lease sale.
The project sponsors bring together decades of expertise in development, engineering, and construction of large-scale renewable generation projects. Invenergy will serve as lead developer of the project. A consortium of investors led by the sponsors and composed of Blackstone Infrastructure Partners (NYSE: BX), CDPQ, FirstLight Power, and Ullico Infrastructure Fund will provide funding for the project.
“For more than twenty years, Invenergy has leveraged our deep technical expertise to lead the renewable energy transition in the United States and around the world,” said Michael Polsky, Invenergy Founder and CEO. “The U.S. offshore market is the next frontier in the clean energy revolution, and we are proud to have the opportunity to increase American competitiveness in the global offshore market as we build a sustainable world.”
“energyRe is at the forefront of the global clean energy revolution, and we are proud to bring our decades of industry leadership to the fight for a more resilient future,” said Jeff Blau, Chairman of energyRe. “Our all-American, all-renewable enterprise is ready to deliver reliable clean energy directly to our communities and ignite economic opportunity and job creation in the fast-growing green economy.”
Matthew Runkle, Senior Managing Director in the Infrastructure Group at Blackstone, said, “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Invenergy into the offshore wind market where Blackstone has successfully invested in generation and transmission projects for over a decade in the U.S. and Europe. This is an important investment in clean energy infrastructure for the NY/NJ region and we look forward to working with all stakeholders on the successful development of the project.”
Emmanuel Jaclot, Executive Vice President and Head of Infrastructure at CDPQ, said, “CDPQ is pleased to join forces with its long-term partner Invenergy as well as several leading investors to further accelerate the energy transition in the United States. Following investments by CDPQ in offshore wind in Europe and Asia, this transaction is another important step towards achieving our commitment to reduce by 60% the carbon intensity of our portfolio by 2030.”
“FirstLight Power is proud to support Invenergy Wind Offshore’s successful participation in the historic New York Bight auction as a significant financial sponsor,” said Alicia Barton, President and CEO of FirstLight. “We are excited to be part of this outstanding consortium of partners that will deliver new offshore wind to help meet the Biden administration’s goal of reaching 30 gigawatts of offshore wind energy by 2030.”
“Ullico is excited to partner with Invenergy, energyRe, and the investor consortium on the successful pursuit and development of the New York Bight lease area,” said Edward M. Smith, President and CEO of Ullico Inc. “The investment demonstrates Ullico’s commitment to support the development of projects that provide clean, sustainable energy across North America and creating jobs for skilled union workers.”
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