Governor Cuomo Announces Details for 21 Large-Scale Renewable Energy Projects to Deliver Clean, Affordable Energy to New Yorkers

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo unveiled the details of the awards for 21 large-scale solar, wind, and energy storage projects across upstate New York, totaling 1,278 megawatts of new renewable capacity. These projects, which New York Energy Research and Development Authority 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 towards Governor Cuomo's Green New Deal goal to obtain 70 percent 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 percent 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," Governor 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." 

This milestone demonstrates New York's real-time commitment to implementing the most ambitious clean energy agenda in the United States. Expected to generate over 2.5 million megawatt-hours of renewable energy annually - the projects will provide enough to power over 350,000 homes and reduce carbon emissions by more than 1.3 million metric tons annually, equivalent to taking nearly 300,000 cars off the road every year. The awards, totaling $1 billion in State investment, include projects that offered bids 23 percent 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 announced today 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. For three consecutive years, NYSERDA has demonstrated the State's firm commitment to advancing renewable energy, awarding over 67 projects since 2018 - the most significant State commitment to renewables in the nation. 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 percent of the state's expected electricity demand in 2030.

Alicia Barton, President and CEO, NYSERDA, said, "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. 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. NYSERDA payments under these awards will not commence until projects have obtained all required permits and local approvals, and begin commercial operation. As part of NYSERDA's solicitation, proposers underwent a rigorous review process to ensure that they have, and will continue to engage in effective community outreach, as well as adopt responsible siting practices throughout the development process. Through this third procurement 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.

As the State continues its progress towards the 2030 renewable energy target, it will also continue to emphasize and enhance engagement with the communities where projects are being developed. In order to directly assist communities, NYSERDA will also continue to offer resources and no-cost technical assistance to all cities, towns, and villages throughout the state.

The competitively selected projects include 17 large-scale solar projects, which reaffirms New York as a national leader for solar development. In addition, four utility-scale wind projects received awards, comprised of three redevelopment upgrades to existing wind projects and one new large-scale wind project. Two solar projects will include energy storage to enhance integration of renewable energy resources into the electric grid, and which will support the State's nation-leading goal to install 3,000 megawatts of energy storage by 2030. All 21 projects will be required to commit to ensuring that workers associated with the construction of projects are paid a prevailing wage - a standard set by the New York State Department of Labor.

Governor of New York | www.governor.ny.gov