The Long Island Association (LIA), a non-profit and non-partisan business organization, on Aug. 18 released a new study finding that the construction of the South Fork Wind and Sunrise Wind offshore wind projects will generate more than $460 million in economic impact across Nassau and Suffolk Counties between 2022 and 2027.
The findings reinforce “the important role offshore wind plays in strengthening Long Island's economy while diversifying the region's energy portfolio,” LIA said.
The $460 million of economic impact during 2022 to 2027 includes an estimated $95 million in construction-related economic impacts from South Fork Wind, more than $350 million from Sunrise Wind, and an additional $20 million in economic activity generated by the Operations and Maintenance Hub in East Setauket.
After 2027, the study estimates an additional $20 million in recurring annual economic activity from the Operations and Maintenance Hub, supplemented by $200 million in already committed host community payments over 25 years.
The analysis examines the direct, indirect, and induced economic impacts of the two projects, measuring not only construction spending but also the ripple effects on Long Island businesses, workers, suppliers, and local communities.
"Offshore wind is a valuable resource in LIPA’s power supply mix, consistently contributing reliable, clean energy to our electric system when we need it most, and will continue to be an important part of our plans for Long Island’s energy future,” said Carrie Meek Gallagher, CEO of the Long Island Power Authority. “This report recognizes the many meaningful ways that offshore wind delivers for our communities, and reinforces that building energy infrastructure is about people, skills development, and investing in long-term capability."
"Long Island's future depends on having an energy system that is reliable, affordable, and capable of supporting continued economic growth," said Stacey Sikes, Acting President and CEO of the Long Island Association. "This study demonstrates that offshore wind is already delivering meaningful economic benefits for our region while contributing to a reliable energy grid. As demand continues to increase, these findings reinforce why the LIA has consistently supported an all-of-the-above energy strategy that expands supply, strengthens grid efficiency, and positions Long Island for long-term economic success, because energy is the foundation for economic growth."
Lawrence J. Waldman, LIA Board Chairman, said: "For Long Island to remain competitive, we must continue investing in the infrastructure that powers our economy. This study shows that offshore wind is producing tangible economic returns for local businesses, workers, and communities while becoming an increasingly important part of a balanced, diversified energy portfolio that will help meet Long Island's future needs."
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “This study reinforces the real benefits we have already seen from the construction of South Fork Wind and Sunrise Wind. Both projects have employed hundreds of New Yorkers, including good-paying union jobs as part of a growing sector that has spurred significant economic development and private investment throughout the state and beyond. The offshore energy industry in New York State is also improving the reliability of our grid with locally produced energy to ensure an affordable, reliable and abundant energy supply that will power Long Island homes for decades to come.”
South Fork Wind, the nation's first utility-scale offshore wind farm, became operational in 2024 and generates 132 megawatts of electricity.
Sunrise Wind is expected to be completed in 2027 and will power nearly 600,000 homes, adding new electricity generation equivalent to nearly 20 percent of Long Island's current electrical load.
“Together, the projects represent not only a major investment in Long Island's energy infrastructure, but also a significant driver of economic activity, workforce development, and local business growth,” LIA said.
Among the study's key findings:
• More than $460 million in economic impact generated on Long Island between 2022 and 2027 from South Fork Wind, Sunrise Wind, and the Operations and Maintenance Hub.
• South Fork Wind generated an estimated $95 million in economic impact while supporting approximately 387 combined direct, indirect, and induced jobs.
• Sunrise Wind is projected to generate more than $350 million in economic impact while supporting approximately 1,400 combined direct, indirect, and induced jobs.
• The Operations and Maintenance Hub in East Setauket is expected to generate approximately $20 million in recurring annual economic impact while supporting long-term, high-skilled jobs on Long Island.
• Under host community agreements, the projects will also pay a total of approximately $200 million to the Town of East Hampton and the Town of Brookhaven.
• The study used the IMPLAN economic model, the gold standard for regional economic impact analysis.
The study measures more than direct project investment -- it captures how construction spending supports local businesses, creates jobs, and generates additional economic activity as workers spend their wages throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties. The analysis also reflects broader investments in Long Island, including the National Offshore Wind Training Center in Brentwood and a research partnership with Stony Brook University.
