Governor Hochul unveils NYPA’s 20 MW solar milestone, highlighting New York State’s commitment to affordable, union-supported clean energy expansion

New York – In a significant move to bolster New York’s renewable energy resources, Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the New York Power Authority (NYPA) has successfully acquired a 20 megawatt (MW) solar energy project, marking a new era under NYPA’s expanded legislative authority. This project, located in the town of Fort Edward in Washington County, is not only the first to be entirely owned and operated by NYPA but also spearheads the authority’s strategic plan to add up to 3 gigawatts of renewable energy across the 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.”

New York Power Authority President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll said, “Our first new renewable energy project as part of NYPA’s expanded authority will be the 100% NYPA-owned and NYPA-operated 20 MW Somers Solar project in Washington County. Our role is to bring this project to execution and ensure its efficient and safe operation for generations; that is what NYPA does best.”

Set to be constructed on a 150-acre site near Albany, this large-scale solar project promises to create over 100 union jobs during both the construction and operational phases. This development comes as part of NYPA’s broader Renewables Strategic Plan, which was set in motion earlier this year, detailing the authority’s roadmap for significantly increasing its renewable energy output as authorized by the 2023-24 Enacted State Budget.

The transition of the project from Edison, N.J.-based CS Energy to NYPA is expected to allow the original developer to reinvest in additional renewable initiatives. Eric Millard, CS Energy’s Chief Commercial Officer, commented on the transfer, “We are proud to contribute to New York’s energy goals with the development of the Somers Solar project and are excited about our continued participation in the state’s clean energy transition.”

The acquisition aligns with New York’s aggressive climate agenda, which seeks to ensure an affordable, equitable transition to a clean energy economy. This includes a commitment to generating family-sustaining jobs and directing significant investments towards disadvantaged communities to ensure they benefit from the state’s green initiatives.

Furthermore, NYPA, as the nation’s largest state public power organization, plays a crucial role in supporting New York’s clean energy transition. Beyond its new initiatives, NYPA produces over 80 percent of its electricity from renewable hydropower and is a pivotal entity in the state’s strategy to achieve a carbon-neutral economy by 2050.

Local legislators have also expressed their support for the project. Assemblymember Didi Barrett noted, “This project is groundbreaking not just for its scale but for being the first developed under NYPA’s new authority.” Similarly, Assemblymember Carrie Woerner remarked on the positive impact expected in Washington County, “It’s great to see such initiatives that not only create jobs but also provide affordable, clean energy to our communities.”

As NYPA continues to expand its renewable energy portfolio, the Somers Solar project is set to become a model for future developments, driving forward New York’s ambitious goals for a sustainable and prosperous future.