The projects are expected to create more than 2,500 near-term, family-sustaining jobs and generate more than $4.7 billion in private investment while reinforcing the State’s commitment to the development of clean energy, grid resiliency and economic development.
“New York continues to foster competitive opportunities for the clean energy industry to thrive,” Hochul said. “We are delivering on our commitment to make New York more prosperous by harnessing the benefits of a growing clean energy economy, increasing family sustaining jobs and spurring private investment within communities across the State while remaining focused on keeping energy affordable for all New Yorkers.”
The contracted awards are the result of the New York State Energy and Research Development Authority’s 2023 Tier 1 Renewable Energy Standard solicitation. The projects are expected to reduce CO2 equivalent emissions by 2.3 million metric tons annually, the equivalent of removing nearly 350,000 cars from the road; provide public health benefits resulting from reduced exposure to harmful pollutants; and provide more than $249 million in commitments to disadvantaged communities from community benefit funds.
New York State Energy and Research Development Authority President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “Today we celebrate 23 more projects that will deliver clean, sustainable energy to our state’s electric grid. New York continues to provide a reliable market for renewable energy projects, and by facilitating responsible development of these projects, we are protecting our natural resources and creating healthier communities.”
The payments under the contracted projects will only begin once projects are constructed and begin delivering renewable energy to New York after obtaining all required permits and approvals. Several projects have already commenced construction activities, and all projects are expected to be operational by 2028.
Additionally, the State will continue to emphasize and enhance engagements with the projects’ host communities. NYSERDA offers resources and no-cost technical assistance to help local governments understand how to manage responsible clean energy development in their communities, including step-by-step instructions and tools to guide the implementation of clean energy, permitting processes, property taxes, siting, zoning, and more.
Public Service Commission Chair Rory Christian said, “The creation of good paying, family-supporting jobs is a key component of our clean energy job market. Kudos to Governor Hochul and her team for making this outstanding job growth a reality.”
Citizens Campaign for the Environment Executive Director Adrienne Esposito said, “As another year comes to an end, we must continue to make progress in achieving New York’s renewable energy goals and these 23 land base projects represent real progress. Our critical transition to renewables is essential in meeting the needs of increasing our grid’s sustainability, resilience and cost-effective energy generation. We are delighted that Governor Hochul is forging ahead with these important projects and providing the leadership and political will needed to continue New York’s historic energy transition.”
Alliance for Clean Energy New York Executive Director Marguerite Wells said, “The contracts announced today represent projects with tangible benefits for New Yorkers coming very soon. Billions of dollars of private investment will be coming into New York, providing quality jobs and clean, renewable energy. We thank Governor Hochul and NYSERDA for keeping their commitment to our clean energy future, and we look forward to the day these projects are serving power to our state.”
The projects will add to New York's robust pipeline of large-scale renewable energy projects moving toward operation, comprised of 46 solar arrays, land-based wind, hydroelectric, and offshore wind projects under development that will deliver more than 6.3 gigawatts of clean power to the grid; enough to power 3.7 million New York homes.
