The first operational utility-scale solar projects in upstate New York are expected to commence commercial operations by the end of this year. A portfolio of eight projects comprising over 200 megawatts of generating capacity is being developed by CS Energy in partnership with Goldman Sachs Renewable Power Group and NYSERDA.
The projects include three 27-megawatt installations in the Capital Region – in Easton and Stillwater, three 27-megawatt installations in the Mohawk Valley – in Mohawk and Pattersonville, and two 27-megawatt installations in the Southern Tier – in Willet and Greene.
The projects will support more than 500 jobs and represent more than $160 million of private investment that is expected to generate over $80 million in benefits to local communities and regions. Those benefits will come to local landowners, property tax jurisdictions, and to local contractors who will provide ongoing operations and maintenance support for the projects.
The projects are the result of New York’s Clean Energy Standard, established in 2016 as well as 2019’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. These initiatives made commitments that 70% of the electricity consumed in New York would be generated by renewable energy sources by 2030.
CS Energy has built over 150 megawatts of solar projects in New York to date. By the end of this year, that number will be close to 500 megawatts. CS Energy recently opened a regional headquarters in Albany to further support the company’s growth. The Goldman Sachs Renewable Power Group owns and operates more than 2.3 gigawatts of clean power across the country.
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Upstate New York’s first utility-scale solar projects set to come online this year
Photo, posted October 16, 2019, courtesy of Jonathan Cutrer via Flickr.
Earth Wise is a production of WAMC Northeast Public Radio.
In your today’s program you mentioned the NY State renewable energy goal of 70-30. Meaning 70% renewable by 2030, and you stated that 70% number represents the state consumption, not the generation in the state. This is the first time I hear specifics of the 70-30 goal. However, if it is correct, the goal is even more less achievable than if it was 70% energy generated in the state. Very few in the public realize that NY State is producing only about 50% of its consumed electricity. So, if your statement is accurate, how practical is the expectation that 50% of that 70% renewable energy would come or be available from the interstate energy transmission.
Secondly, if the 70-30 goal means that 70% energy produced in the state would come from the renewable sources it would still be unachievable as currently, just 9 years from 2030, contribution of the solar power to the total energy production in the state is around 5-6%, and the renewables portion is about 30% as hydro and wind power producers are the major contributors to the sector. As far as the solar generation, the state has a limited ability to produce it on industrial scale as it does not have deserts and as it is trying to protect agricultural land.
The point I am trying to make is that the public should not be misled by slogans created by politicians and be honestly informed how challenging the goal of the 70-30 is really. This, BTW, reminds me some goals set up by the former Soviet authorities about achieving certain benchmarks in its lead of the country to Communism. I grew up there, that is why I am bringing up it as an example.
Thanks for the comment, Peter. The roadmap for getting to 70% is laid out on NYSERDA’s website at https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All%20Programs/Programs/Clean%20Energy%20Standard. According to NYSERDA, getting to 50% is achievable with current capacity plus already contracted and pipelined projects. The remaining 20% must come from new projects presumably driven by policies, incentives, and market forces. Undoubtedly the plan is ambitious, but it is not unachievable. Ultimately, it is up to all of us to help make it happen. A lofty goal here is not a publicity stunt. It is trying to achieve what is truly needed. Thanks for listening!