WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Business Network for Offshore Wind honored WSP USA and its partner, VHB, with a 2022 Ventus Award in the Advancement in Project Siting and Development category for the Offshore Wind Cable Corridor Constraints Assessment.
The assessment prepared by WSP, a leading engineering, environment and professional services consultancy, and VHB, was initiated by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) in August 2021 and builds upon the work of the New York Power Grid Study. NYSERDA’s goal was to develop an understanding of what constrains offshore wind (OSW) cables, and how to address these constraints to achieve New York State’s mandated nine gigawatts of OSW power by 2035.
The assessment was designed to gather existing data and information regarding cable route constraints and challenges, providing a broad evaluation that will help facilitate regulatory decisions for siting, installation and operation of undersea and overland cable corridors into New York’s power grid.
“This award is a recognition of NYSERDA’s vision and leadership to reduce barriers to achieving New York’s ambitious offshore wind target and the commitment from the WSP and VHB team to deliver on this vision,” said Michael Drunsic, WSP offshore wind market lead. “We are grateful for the opportunity to be part of this important work.”
“We are tremendously honored that our team’s innovative offshore wind work for NYSERDA was recognized as a winner of this prestigious award,” added Sara Mochrie, WSP power market director. “We are committed to helping advance the U.S. offshore wind industry on the East Coast and beyond with sustainable and resilient options to minimize environmental impacts.”
“One of the most pressing issues facing the U.S. offshore wind industry is grid and transmission,” said Liz Burdock, president and CEO of the Business Network for Offshore Wind. “WSP’s Offshore Wind Cable Corridor Constraints Assessment will help provide regulatory guidance for siting, installation, and operation of undersea and overland cable corridors, setting the course for future offshore wind cable projects in New York and beyond.”
WSP and VHB worked closely with NYSERDA and other state agencies to develop recommendations and mitigation strategies so future offshore wind cables incorporate accepted siting principles that will support installing multiple cables and minimizing the use of space and impacts on environmental, cultural and social resources. These impacts include co-locating cables; considering reuse of abandoned infrastructure; and using mitigation strategies to offset the losses associated with impacts. Due to each site’s distinctive characteristics, the assessment divided state waters into three approach areas and multiple onshore zones through which OSW energy will be brought to the New York City and Long Island transmission grid.
The Ventus Awards recognize trailblazing organizations and individuals that are advancing the offshore wind industry and spearheading innovation for positive environmental impacts. The awards are presented in nine categories to honor the different aspects of global offshore wind industry progress. WSP was one of three finalists for the Advancement in Project Siting and Development award.
Winners of the 2022 Ventus Awards were announced at the annual Ventus Gala held Nov. 17 in Washington, D.C. The Business Network for Offshore Wind, which sponsors the annual awards, is a nonprofit, educational organization with a mission to develop the offshore wind renewable energy industry and its supply chain.
About WSP USA
WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering, environment and professional services firms. Recognized on Fast Company’s Brands that Matter List for 2022 as a top Community-Minded Business, WSP USA brings together engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals who are dedicated to collaborate in the best interests of serving local communities. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,500 employees in 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper. wsp.com
About VHB
VHB partners with clients from 30+ locations along the East Coast, and strives to improve mobility, enhance communities and economic vitality, and balance development and infrastructure needs with environmental stewardship. Our passionate team of 1,600 engineers, scientists, planners, and designers offer comprehensive engineering, planning, permitting, and applied sciences services to a diverse group of clients.
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