New York State awards 21 renewable energy storage projects

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) awarded 21 renewable energy storage projects totaling 1,278 megawatts of new renewable capacity.

These projects will spur over $2.5 billion in private investments toward their development and create over 2,000 jobs. This moves the state toward Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s goal to obtain 70 percent of the state’s electricity from renewable sources by 2030.

“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,” 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.”

NYSERDA has awarded over 67 renewable energy projects since 2018.

“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,” Alicia Barton, president and CEO at NYSERDA, said. “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 21 awarded projects are expected to break ground in late 2020 and all should be operational by 2024. Also, 17 of them are large-scale solar projects, while four are utility-scale wind projects. The projects are spread through the state, from the North Country to the Southern Tier, from Western New York to the Capital Region.

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) commended the state for the commitment to clean energy.

“We commend Governor Cuomo and NYSERDA President Alicia Barton for following through on their commitment to renewable energy development in New York. This announcement builds on NYSERDA’s previous efforts and will inject more than $2.5 billion into local communities,” David Gahl, senior director of state affairs, Northeast for SEIA, said.

The announcement highlights the need to pass project siting and permitting reforms in New York, he added.

“Without streamlined processes, it could take several years for these projects to come online, delaying payback periods, and stymieing market growth. Governor Cuomo has advanced a solid proposal to fast track solar projects, but we need the Legislature to get this over the finish line and put these principles into practice,” Gahl said.