New York Construction Report staff writer
New York has issued the final siting permit for the Alfred Oaks solar farm, located in the Town of Alfred, Allegany County.
Construction will create more than 170 full-time jobs, generating approximately $22.8 million in earnings. It will also provide two full-time equivalent positions during operation with an estimated $120,000 in annual earnings.
The project will generate 100 megawatts (MW) of clean, renewable energy and includes a 20 MW co-located battery storage facility. Once operational, it is expected to reduce carbon emissions by over 87,250 metric tons annually, which is equivalent to removing more than 49,400 cars from the road. The facility will produce enough electricity to power more than 13,000 average-sized homes.
It’s the 16th major renewable energy facility permit issued by the Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES) since 2021. These permits represent over 2.4 gigawatts of new clean energy, reflecting New York’s rapid pace of major renewable energy facility approvals.
The Alfred Oaks solar farm will feature rows of photovoltaic panels, a battery storage facility, and an overhead transmission line connecting to the existing 115-kilovolt (kV) Andover-Palmiter Road transmission line operated by New York State Electric & Gas Corporation.
Alfred Oaks Solar LLC, the project developer, is expected to pay-in-lieu of taxes and host community agreements, funding infrastructure and services for local residents.
“The announcement of the final siting permit for Alfred Oaks is an example of the State’s continued commitment to responsible development of major renewable energy facilities,” said Jessica Waldorf, interim executive director of ORES. “With this first permit issued by ORES in its new home at the New York State Department of Public Service, ORES continues to be well-positioned to help achieve New York’s clean energy objectives while ensuring environmental protection and community feedback.”
The Alfred Oaks project, along with other major renewable energy facilities under review, supports New York’s broader strategy to meet the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act’s targets, which include 70 percent renewable electricity by 2030 and a zero-emissions electricity sector by 2040. For more information about the Alfred Oaks project and other ORES initiatives, visit the ORES website.
