Ørsted was once one of the most coal-intensive energy companies in Europe and was committed to fossil fuels. But it decided in 2009 to move away from fossil fuels. Now it is one of the largest clean energy companies in the world. By January 2022, Ørsted had become the number one offshore wind energy developer in the world. Excluding mainland China, it developed about 30% of all globally installed capacity in this sector. Remarkably, 90% of its energy currently comes from renewable sources; however, that figure will grow significantly in the coming years – to 95% and then 99%. In addition, net zero production is planned by 2025 and emissions will be completely phased out by 2040.
But this was not enough for the company. It continues to find ways to continue expanding clean energy and protecting the environment. Do you want some proof? Here are two stories from the company that show its commitment to continuous improvement.
New offshore wind project in New York
In response to New York State’s latest requests for offshore wind energy, Ørsted and Eversource recently presented a joint proposal. This entry offers multiple bids with different configurations to provide clean and renewable energy to more than one million New York homes, bringing billions of dollars to the state’s economy. In addition, it will create thousands of jobs, promote environmental justice and prioritize underserved communities by integrating MWBEs into its protocols and plans.
Last year, Ørsted and Eversource began construction on South Fork Wind, New York’s first offshore wind farm. By 2023 it will be operational with 130 MW of clean energy; followed by the 924 MW Sunrise Wind project which is expected to provide power to New Yorkers by the end of 2025. As a leading provider of offshore wind technology in New York State, this joint venture has built strong relationships with numerous community members, such as labor leaders and local government officials – while consulting with them on how to develop a bid that best serves residents.
With Governor Hochul at the helm, New York is poised to expand its industry-leading offshore wind infrastructure. the state has already become a pioneer in developing an offshore wind energy supply chain and has spent $500 million building ports, factories and supply chains that will support this burgeoning industry. In addition, it invests in training a workforce that is familiar with the new technology so that it can continue to grow in the coming years.
In the summer of 2022, Governor Hochul called New York’s third competitive offshore wind tender for a lowest deployment of 2,000 megawatts (MW). This will provide clean and affordable energy to an additional 1.5 million homes in the state. The announcement is another step toward meeting the New York State Climate Act’s commitment to source 70% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and 9,000 MW of offshore wind power by 2035.
In 2016, Ørsted and Eversource – the leading US offshore wind energy partner and New England’s largest energy supplier, respectively – joined forces with the goal of developing the US offshore wind energy supply chain, as well as a new workforce dedicated to providing solutions for renewable energy. Together they have made great strides towards this goal by investing their collective resources in building renewable energy generation infrastructure.
“We are committed to developing projects that create high-paying jobs, build local communities and generate clean, affordable energy to fight climate change,” said David Hardy, Group EVP and CEO Americas at Ørsted. “We are confident that this new statewide proposal will provide comprehensive offshore wind solutions and integrated clean energy innovation for New York, a state where we already have two cutting-edge projects and invested in supply chain development, training of personnel and O&M capabilities. This invitation further demonstrates New York’s leadership in offshore wind energy, and we look forward to the opportunity to build on our strong track record here.”
The developers boast that they set the gold standard with their National Offshore Wind Agreement, making them the first in America to ensure that offshore construction would be carried out by US union personnel. This move highlights their commitment to providing high-paying jobs, employee training and safety measures.
“As a trusted partner of the state, we are proud to heed New York’s call for more clean, renewable offshore wind energy and today submitted a proposal that would create significant jobs, generate local economic investment, meaningful solutions for workforce development and the movement toward greater environmental justice throughout the Empire State,” said Joe Nolan, chairman, president and CEO of Eversource Energy. “Today’s proposal builds on the incredible work we are already doing in New York, including building the state’s first offshore wind farm, and leverages the unparalleled combination of our onshore, regional transmission expertise along with significant offshore capabilities of Ørsted. Together we are ready for a better, cleaner future that all New Yorkers will be proud of.”
The Ørsted-Eversource joint venture is currently investing heavily in two projects to boost New York’s clean energy workforce, build the state’s offshore wind industry and provide renewable energy to nearly 670,000 homes. These efforts will make a big difference to New Yorkers looking for an eco-friendly future.
Texas Project Builds Massive Solar Installation While Protecting Rare Prairie Areas
Getting started for more offshore wind in New York was not a chance for the people at the company to take a break. Not much later, another announcement came about an attempt in Texas to not only build a huge solar power plant, but also protect the country.
Ørsted recently unveiled an incredible partnership with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) to protect nearly 1,000 acres of native prairie in northeastern Texas. Unfortunately, only one percent of the original tallgrass prairies that existed in Texas survive today, and only five percent remain national. However, by joining forces with TNC on this historic conservation effort, Ørsted is taking a bold step forward as it will be its first biodiversity initiative in the United States.
Ørsted is progressing construction of its 471 MW Mockingbird Solar Center in Lamar County, Texas. Spanning approximately 4,900 acres is Smiley-Woodfin Native Prairie Grassland – the largest remaining portion of a rare and endangered species of prairie found only in North Texas. This prairie is incredibly important for its diverse ecosystem with abundant biodiversity.
For more information on the company’s Texas project and other expansions in the United States, see Part 2.
Featured image provided by Ørsted.
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