New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a new large-scale onshore renewable energy solicitation in the US state.
Building on the state’s 10-Point Action Plan, the process seeks proposals for the development of large-scale land-based renewables projects which are expected to spur billions of dollars in clean energy investments and create thousands of jobs.
The announcement supports progress toward achieving New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act goal to obtain 70% of its electricity from clean energy sources by 2030.
“New York is building a clean energy economy that will allow us to drastically lower emissions while creating thousands of new good-paying jobs, boosting billions of dollars in economic growth, and spurring an injection of private investment into our local communities,” said Governor Hochul (pictured).
“Once selected, these projects will help accelerate our mission to power our state with affordable, reliable, zero-emission electricity for the benefit of all New Yorkers.”
The competitive solicitation, administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), is the latest in a planned series of procurements of land-based large scale renewables projects.
NYSERDA has included key provisions in the process from the latest rounds of procurements such as inflation indexing, labour provisions, stakeholder engagement requirements, new requirements emphasizing the importance of climate resiliency in project design, disadvantaged community commitments, agricultural land preservation, and related priorities to maintain the policy objectives introduced in prior solicitations to ensure an equitable energy transition.
These elements are outlined within the solicitation documents and are designed to support the development and construction of numerous mature, late-stage renewable energy schemes seeking to commence operation in the near term.
“By advancing land-based renewable energy projects, New York is expeditiously moving our state forward as a leader in the transition to reliable and clean energy,” said NYSERDA president and chief executive Doreen Harris.
“NYSERDA remains committed to strengthening our renewable energy pipeline and delivering increasing amounts of renewable electricity to further bolster our grid of the future.”
The process for submitting proposals into the onshore solicitation will be conducted in two steps, with eligibility requirements due on 15 July this year to confirm interested projects are eligible to bid, with final proposals due on 8 August.
“New York’s clean energy sector is not just about creating a sustainable environment; it’s also about building a robust and resilient workforce that can thrive in the green economy,” said New York State Department of Labor commissioner Roberta Reardon.
“Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, initiatives like this large-scale renewable energy solicitation are vital in driving economic growth, fostering innovation, and providing thousands of family-sustaining jobs.”
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation interim commissioner Sean Mahar said: “Through Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York State continues to advance its strategic efforts to meet our renewable energy targets under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act and create the clean energy economy of the future.
“Today’s announcement demonstrates the State’s commitment to expanding large-scale wind and solar projects and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, helping to ensure a cleaner and healthier environment for future generations.”
New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets commissioner Richard Ball added: “Today’s announcement of new large-scale renewable energy solicitation is a crucial step in New York’s transition to clean energy, which will preserve our natural resources and help New York meet its ambitious climate goals.
“With key provisions included for agricultural land preservation, NYSERDA’s 10-Point Plan will help the State provide a foundation for a greener economy while also ensuring we are protecting our farmland.”
State Senator and Senate Energy and Telecommunications chair Kevin Parker said: “Governor Hochul’s announcement of the new large-scale renewable energy solicitation marks a significant step forward in New York’s commitment to a sustainable future.
“By accelerating our transition to wind and solar power, we are not only advancing towards our ambitious Climate Act goal of 70% renewable electricity by 2030, but also fostering economic growth and creating green jobs across the state.
“This initiative reaffirms New York’s leadership in combating climate change and sets a powerful example for other states to follow.”