Skanska, a leading global construction and development company, together with the Trust for Governors Island, has announced the topping out of a new, modern electrical substation on Governors Island in New York City. This milestone marks an important stage in the ongoing transformation of the island into a major center for climate innovation, education, research, and sustainable urban development. The topping out ceremony signifies that the main structural framework of the substation has been completed. This project is a key part of a broader plan to upgrade and expand critical infrastructure across Governors Island so it can support future development and increasing activity on the island.
According to Sean Szatkowski, Executive Vice President and General Manager at Skanska USA Building, this milestone reflects steady progress toward building strong and resilient infrastructure that will support the island’s next phase of growth. He emphasized that the company is proud to be part of a project that not only improves energy reliability but also supports long-term goals related to innovation, sustainability, and community engagement. The substation is designed to ensure that Governors Island has the power capacity it needs as it continues to evolve into a year-round destination.
Clare Newman, President and CEO of the Trust for Governors Island, also highlighted the importance of this achievement. She described the topping out as a proud moment for the island and thanked Skanska and all project partners for their efforts. She explained that this investment will play a central role in supporting the island’s growing community, including institutions such as the New York Climate Exchange and the expanding Urban Assembly New York Harbor School. It will also help advance the island’s commitment to fully electric buildings and improve facilities for the thousands of visitors who come to the island each year.
The project involves the construction of a new, two-story, fully enclosed 27kV electrical substation located at the southern end of Governors Island. This facility is being built from the ground up and will serve as a critical part of the island’s long-term energy system. Once completed, it will help provide stable and reliable electricity to support new buildings, educational programs, research facilities, and public spaces.
In addition to the substation itself, the project includes a significant amount of supporting infrastructure work. This involves the installation of approximately 1.5 miles of underground electrical duct banks, which will help safely route electrical systems across the island. It also includes the installation of new 27kV and 5kV cable systems, along with connections to the existing substation located on the northern side of the island. All of this work is being carried out in close coordination with Con Edison to ensure safety, reliability, and seamless integration with the city’s broader power network.
Sustainability has been a central focus in the design and construction of the new facility. The substation will feature a green roof that helps reduce heat buildup, improves insulation, and enhances overall environmental performance. In addition, rooftop solar panels will be installed to generate renewable energy and reduce the facility’s dependence on external power sources. These features are designed to align with Governors Island’s broader mission of becoming a model for climate-conscious development.
Beyond its technical role, the project will also add new public amenities to the island. These include permanent indoor restroom facilities for visitors and a kiosk that will offer food and beverage services near one of the island’s popular park areas. These additions are intended to improve the overall visitor experience as the island continues to grow as a public destination.
Once completed, the new electrical substation and related infrastructure will support several planned developments on Governors Island. These include expanded public spaces, the continued growth of the New York Harbor School, the expansion of the New York Climate Exchange, and future projects that will further transform the island into a vibrant, accessible, and sustainable year-round community hub focused on education, climate solutions, and public engagement.
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