Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today unveiled the details of the awards for 21 large-scale solar, wind and energy storage projects across upstate New York, totaling 1,278 MW of new renewable capacity.

These projects include 17 planned solar systems, which New York Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and other state and local agencies will ensure are sited and developed responsibly, will spur over $2.5 billion in direct, private investments toward their development, construction and operation and create over 2,000 short-term and long-term jobs. The awards accelerate New York’s progress toward Cuomo’s Green New Deal goal to obtain 70% of the state’s electricity from renewable sources by 2030, as codified by the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, and supports the State mandate for a 100% carbon-free electricity sector by 2040.

“New York continues to be a leader in developing large-scale renewable energy projects in a way that brings significant economic benefits and jobs to the state,” Cuomo said. “With these projects we will build on our aggressive strategy to combat climate change and lay a foundation for a more sustainable future for all New Yorkers.”

Expected to generate over 2.5 million MWh of renewable energy annually, the projects will provide enough electricity to power over 350,000 homes and reduce carbon emissions by more than 1.3 million metric tons annually. The awards, totaling $1 billion in state investment, include projects that offered bids 23% lower than the bids received three years ago, representing considerable value for New Yorkers and highlighting the continuing significant cost declines of renewable energy.

The awards are the third in a series of annual NYSERDA land-based renewable procurements that are expected to result in the development of dozens of large-scale renewable energy projects over the coming decade. NYSERDA awarded over 67 projects since 2018. These three rounds of land-based renewable awards, combined with New York’s record-breaking commitment to offshore wind announced earlier this year, will be capable of generating over 12% of the state’s expected electricity demand in 2030.

“Under Governor Cuomo’s leadership and as emphasized in his 2020 State of the State address, New York’s steady advancement of large-scale renewable energy projects is helping create a clean energy future faster and more affordable than ever anticipated,” said Alicia Barton, president and CEO, NYSERDA. “Building on our success over the past three years, these projects, once completed, will deliver a significant amount of clean, renewable energy to all New Yorkers while helping to grow the state’s green economy. With the impacts of climate change being felt in New York and around the world, moving rapidly to renewable forms of energy is imperative.”

Several of the projects awarded are expected to break ground as soon as late 2020 and all projects are expected to be operational by 2024.Through this and subsequent procurements, NYSERDA will continue to work with developers, other state agencies and stakeholders to ensure that the state can achieve its clean energy goals while protecting lands of agricultural importance as well as those that support critical environmental resources and habitats.

Two solar projects will include energy and will support the state’s goal to install 3,000 MW of energy storage by 2030.

“Governor Cuomo’s climate leadership sets the gold standard for state-led action,” said Basil Seggos, Department of Environmental Conservation commissioner. “To achieve New York’s nation-leading goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and ramp up renewable energy, we must tap into our state’s wind and solar energy potential. Today’s announcement is further proof that New York is leading the nation’s efforts to act on climate while protecting our communities and our irreplaceable natural resources and boosting economic development.”

The large-scale solar projects (by region) are:

Capital Region

• Bald Mountain Solar: Boralex will build a 19.99-MW solar facility in Greenwich.
• West River Solar: Boralex will build a 19.99-MW solar facility in Moreau.
• SunEast Hilltop Solar: SunEast Development will build a 19.99-MW solar facility in the town of Schaghticoke.

Central New York

• Garnet Energy Center: NextEra Energy Resources will build a 200-MW solar facility, accompanied by 20 MW of energy storage, in Conquest.

Finger Lakes

• Highview Solar Project: SunEast Development will build a 20-MW solar facility in Castile.

Mohawk Valley

• SunEast Flat Hill Solar: SunEast Development will build a 19.99-MW solar facility in Manheim.
• SunEast Grassy Knoll Solar: SunEast Development will build a 19.99-MW solar facility in Manheim.
• SunEast Limestone Solar: SunEast Development will build a 19.99-MW solar facility in Perth.
• SunEast Tabletop Solar: SunEast Development will build a 80-MW solar facility in Palatine.

North Country

• ELP Ticonderoga Solar: East Light Partners will build a 19.99-MW solar facility in Ticonderoga.
• North Side Energy Center: NextEra Energy Resources will build a 180-MW solar facility in Brasher, Massena and Norfolk.
• Sandy Creek Solar: Boralex will build a 19.99-MW solar facility in Adams and Ellisburg.
• Greens Corners Solar: Boralex will build a 120-MW solar facility in Hounsfield and Watertown
• SunEast Fairway Solar: SunEast Development will build a 19.99-MW solar facility in Oswegatchie.

Southern Tier

• SunEast Valley Solar: SunEast Development will build a 19.99-MW solar facility in Owego

Western New York

• Martin Rd Solar: Empire Renewables, LLC will build a 19.99-MW solar facility in Machias and Yorkshire.
• South Ripley Solar and Storage: ConnectGen will build a 270-MW solar facility, accompanied by 20 MW of energy storage, in Ripley.

NYSERDA will issue the next solicitation for large-scale renewable energy under the Clean Energy Standard by Earth Day, 2020. Maintaining a predictable pace of annual solicitations for renewable energy will support continued development and investment interest in New York State.

News item from NYSERDA