The New York Power Authority has acquired full ownership of a 20-MWsolar energy generation project in the Town of Fort Edward in Washington County.
The Somers Solar project is the first to be acquired, owned and operated by the Power Authority under its expanded authority--signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul in 2023--and is the first of NYPA’s initial tranche of projects highlighted in its renewables strategic plan.
Released earlier this year, the plan calls for three gigawatts of potential renewable energy growth in New York State.
“With the acquisition of the Somers Solar project, NYPA is taking a significant step forward in its commitment to expand renewable energy resources in New York State,” Governor Hochul said.
“The project reflects New York’s efforts to create a greener, more resilient energy system that benefits all New Yorkers, and demonstrates our focus on driving economic growth in local communities while creating good-paying union jobs.”
“Our first new renewable energy project as part of NYPA’s expanded authority will be the 100 percent NYPA-owned and NYPA-operated 20 MW Somers Solar project in Washington County,” said NYPA President and CEO Justin Driscoll.
“Our role is to bring this project to execution and ensure its efficient and safe operation for generations; that is what NYPA does best.”
The Power Authority, through its wholly-owned subsidiary the New York Renewable Energy Development Holdings Corporation, will construct and operate the 20-MW solar generation project on a 150-acre site about 50 miles north of Albany in the Capital Region.
The large-scale solar project is estimated to create more than 100 union jobs during construction and operation.
The NYPA Renewables Strategic Plan is a roadmap for NYPA’s renewable energy development under its expanded authority to build additional renewable energy resources to support the State’s clean energy transition.
Previously under development by Edison, New Jersey.-based CS Energy, the Power Authority’s acquisition of Somers Solar will enable the original developer to reinvest its resources into future renewable project developments.
“We are proud to play a key role in advancing New York’s clean energy transition with the development of this solar project,” said CS Energy Chief Commercial Officer Eric Millard.
“Our commitment to building a clean and sustainable future aligns with New York’s ambitious energy goals, and we look forward to continuing to support it.”
The 2023-24 State Budget called for NYPA to accelerate renewable energy development, support workforce training, establish the REACH program, support decarbonization efforts across the state, and deactivate its small natural gas power plants in New York City and on Long Island.
In January, the Power Authority published its inaugural Renewables Strategic Plan for developing new renewable energy generation projects.
The plan outlines 37 projects across New York State, representing a potential of more than three-GW of renewable energy.