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.