CS Energy, in partnership with the Goldman Sachs Renewable Power Group (GSRP) and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), says it has developed and initiated construction on 216 megawatts-dc (MWdc) of new utility-scale solar projects across New York.
The projects are expected to achieve commercial operations by the end of 2021, making them the first operational utility-scale solar projects in upstate New York.
The portfolio consists of the following geographically diverse mix of projects:
- Darby Solar – 27 MWdc – Capital Region – Easton
- Branscomb Solar – 27 MWdc – Capital Region – Easton
- Stillwater Solar* – 27 MWdc – Capital Region – Stillwater
- Grissom Solar – 27 MWdc – Mohawk Valley – Mohawk
- Regan Solar – 27 MWdc – Mohawk Valley – Mohawk
- Pattersonville Solar – 27 MWdc – Mohawk Valley – Pattersonville
- Janis Solar – 27 MWdc – Southern Tier – Willet
- Puckett Solar – 27 MWdc – Southern Tier – Greene
Stillwater Solar was developed by East Light Partners, acquired by GSRP, and is being constructed by CS Energy.
In 2016, under the direction of Gov. Cuomo, New York’s Public Service Commission established the Clean Energy Standard, which has been further bolstered by 2019’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, committing that 70 percent of the electricity consumed in New York would be generated by renewable energy sources by 2030.
The eight solar projects, developed in close coordination with the local community and regional stakeholders, were awarded contracts by NYSERDA as part of its Renewable Energy Standard Request for Proposals in 2017 and 2018.
The solar projects will generate more than 500 construction jobs. Beyond jobs, the projects represent over $160 million of private investment and are expected to generate over $80 million in benefits into local communities and regions. These benefits accrue to local landowners, property tax jurisdictions, as well as the local contractors who will provide ongoing operations and maintenance support for the projects.
