Governor Kathy Hochul has unveiled 23 massive renewable energy projects that would power 700,000 homes, generate thousands of jobs, and propel New York State’s economy forward (WNY News Now).
Contracts for 23 large-scale land-based renewable energy projects have been signed, according to Governor Kathy Hochul. These projects will generate over 2.3 gigawatts of clean energy, enough to power over 700,000 homes across New York State. The projects are intended to strengthen the State’s commitment to the development of renewable energy, grid resiliency, and economic development while producing over $4.7 billion in private investment and more than 2,500 near-term, family-sustaining employment.
Governor Hochul stated that New York keeps creating competitive conditions for the clean energy sector to prosper. By leveraging the advantages of a thriving clean energy economy, creating more family-sustaining jobs, and encouraging private investment in communities throughout the State, we are fulfilling our promise to make New York more prosperous while continuing to prioritize keeping energy affordable for all New Yorkers.
The New York State Energy and Research Development Authority’s (NYSERDA) 2023 Tier 1 Renewable Energy Standard solicitation produced the negotiated awards. It is anticipated that the projects will lower CO2 equivalent emissions by 2.3 million metric tons per year, which is the same as taking almost 350,000 cars off the road; improve public health by lowering exposure to dangerous pollutants; and provide more than $249 million in community benefit fund commitments to underprivileged communities.
“Today, we celebrate 23 more projects that will bring clean, sustainable energy to our state’s electric grid,” stated Doreen M. Harris, president and CEO of the New York State Energy and Research Development Authority. We are safeguarding our natural resources and fostering healthier communities by supporting the appropriate development of renewable energy projects in New York, which remains a dependable market.
New York City
- Dog Corners, Cordelio Power, Cayuga County
- Scipio Solar, Cordelio Power, Cayuga County
- ELP Granby Solar II, VC Renewables, Oswego County
- Garnet Energy Center, NextEra Energy Resources, Cayuga County
Lakes of Finger
- Trelina Solar Energy Center, NextEra Energy Resources, Seneca County
- Cider Solar Farm, Hecate Energy and Greenbacker Renewable Energy Company, Genesee County
- Highview Solar, Cordelio Power, Wyoming County
- Heritage Wind, Apex Clean Energy, Orleans County
- Excelsior Energy Center, NextEra Energy Resources, Genesee County
Midway through Hudson
- Little Pond Solar, Greenbacker Renewable Energy Company, Orange County
The Mohawk Valley
- Tayandenega Solar, Greenbacker Renewable Energy Company, Montgomery County
- Rock District Solar, Greenbacker Renewable Energy Company, Schoharie County
- Grassy Knoll Solar, Cordelio Power, Herkimer County
- Flat Hill Solar, Cordelio Power, Herkimer County
- Watkins Road Solar, Cordelio Power, Herkimer County
- Hills Solar, Cordelio Power, Herkimer County
- Flat Stone Solar, Cordelio Power, Oneida County
The North Country
- Brookside Solar, AES, Franklin County
Tier South
- Baron Winds II, RWE, Steuben County
- Canisteo Wind Energy Center, Invenergy, Steuben County
- Valley Solar, Cordelio Power, Tioga County
New York’s west
- Alle-Catt Wind, Invenergy, Allegany and Cattaraugus Counties, Wyoming County (Finger Lakes region)
- Bear Ridge Solar, Cypress Creek Renewables, Niagara County
Only after projects are built and start providing renewable energy to New York after getting the necessary permits and permissions will payments under the contractual projects start. Construction has already begun on a number of projects, and all are anticipated to be completed by 2028.
The State will also keep highlighting and strengthening interactions with the communities that host the initiatives.In order to help local governments manage responsible clean energy development in their communities, NYSERDA provides free technical assistance and resources. These resources include tools and step-by-step instructions to help with clean energy implementation, permitting procedures, property taxes, siting, zoning, and more.
Go to the NYSERDA website to learn more about the contracted projects.
“The creation of good-paying, family-supporting jobs is a key component of our clean energy job market,” stated Rory Christian, chair of the Public Service Commission. Bravo to Governor Hochul and her staff for bringing this exceptional job expansion to fruition.
Sean Mahar, interim commissioner of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, stated that NYSERDA’s pledges for renewable energy projects today will further the state’s ongoing efforts to switch from dirty fossil fuels to cleaner energy sources. These kinds of projects are essential to ensuring a robust and dependable electricity infrastructure that supports economic growth, generates excellent employment, and invests in a clean energy future that is healthier and more equitable for New Yorkers.
“I am happy to see these significant renewable energy projects come online as we continue to move forward to address the impacts of climate change and transition to clean energy generation,” stated State Senator Kevin Parker. As New York State builds a renewable energy grid, these projects show how we are boosting local communities and creating jobs.
“Congratulations to Governor Hochul and NYSERDA on this significant milestone toward achieving New York’s clean energy goals while adhering to robust labor standards and protections, and Buy American preferences,” stated Mario Cilento, president of the New York State AFL-CIO. These initiatives will boost the production of renewable energy in New York and generate decent union employment.
Gary LaBarbera, president of the New York State Building Trades, stated, “We must continue to fund and advance renewable energy projects that create thousands of sustainable union careers and provide economic stimulus to hardworking New Yorkers and their families if we are going to achieve the goals set out by the CLCPA.” Because of this, we commend Governor Hochul and NYSERDA for their continued dedication to advancing these important projects that enhance our grid’s resilience, produce dependable clean energy, and reduce adverse environmental effects—all while creating accessible pathways to the middle class for our tradesmen and tradeswomen and enhancing the quality of life for all New Yorkers.
“As another year draws to a close, we must continue to make progress in achieving New York’s renewable energy goals, and these 23 land base projects represent real progress,” said Adrienne Esposito, executive director of the Citizens Campaign for the Environment. In order to satisfy the demands of improving our grid’s sustainability, resilience, and cost-effective energy generation, we must make the crucial shift to renewable energy. We are thrilled that Governor Hochul is moving forward with these significant initiatives and offering the political will and leadership required to carry on with New York’s historic energy transition.
“The contracts announced today represent projects with tangible benefits for New Yorkers coming very soon,” stated Marguerite Wells, executive director of the Alliance for Clean Energy New York. New York will receive billions of dollars in private investment, bringing with it clean, renewable energy and good jobs. We appreciate Governor Hochul and NYSERDA’s continued dedication to our clean energy future, and we eagerly await the day when these projects will provide electricity to our state.
“The contracts announced today represent projects with tangible benefits for New Yorkers coming very soon,” stated Julie Tighe, president of the New York League of Conservation Voters. New York will receive billions of dollars in private investment, bringing with it clean, renewable energy and good jobs. We appreciate Governor Hochul and NYSERDA’s continued dedication to our clean energy future, and we eagerly await the day when these projects will provide electricity to our state.
With 46 solar arrays, land-based wind, hydroelectric, and offshore wind projects in development, New York will have a strong pipeline of large-scale renewable energy projects headed toward operation. Together, these projects will provide the grid with over 6.3 gigawatts of clean power, which is enough to power 3.7 million New York homes.
The Climate Agenda of NYS
A fair and affordable shift to a clean energy economy that supports economic growth through green investments, generates family-sustaining jobs, and allocates at least 35 percent of the benefits to underserved communities is what New York State’s climate agenda advocates for. By 2050, New York is working to eliminate emissions from the energy, building, transportation, and waste sectors, among other areas.