Demolition has started at the Hudson Avenue Generating Station, the site where Con Edison is building its Clean Energy Hub in Brooklyn.
Construction is expected to start by mid-year and create more than 500 skilled union jobs.
Barges will deliver some components and construction materials to the site, minimizing traffic on local streets. Con Edison consulted with community leaders on plans for the Brooklyn Clean Energy Hub building designs.
“This project will demonstrate the economic power of the clean energy transition and the amazing skill of our unionized workers,” said James Shillitto, the president of Local 1-2 of the Utility Workers Union of America. “The working relationship Local 1-2 has with Con Edison is going to make it possible for clean, renewable wind power to reach homes and businesses in New York City, displacing electricity generated by fossil fuels. Together we are creating jobs, economic growth, and a clean energy future.”
The transmission substation will be able to power about 750,000 homes with up to 1,500 megawatts of electricity from offshore wind power. ConEdison designed the new structure to allow for future expansions, with a maximum processing capacity of 6,000 megawatts.
The entire project is expected to be energized before the summer of 2028.
The transition to electric vehicles and heat pumps is already driving up demand for power in New York City. Con Edison has identified neighborhoods where demand will exceed the existing infrastructure’s capacity by 2028, and says the Brooklyn Clean Energy Hub will address those future reliability needs.
“The groundbreaking of the new Brooklyn Clean Energy Hub shows that we can transform the fossils of dirty industry into new clean energy projects,” said Shay O’Reilly, senior organizing representative for the Sierra Club. “This is happening right here in Brooklyn, in real time, and we’re excited about the tremendous opportunity – especially for offshore wind – that New York City has to expand renewable energy, create clean energy jobs, and provide cleaner air for New Yorkers.”
