New York Power Authority announces first fully owned solar project

Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that the New York Power Authority (NYPA) acquired full ownership of a 20-MW solar energy generation project in the town of Fort Edward in Washington County. The Somers Solar project is the first to be acquired, owned and operated by the Power Authority under its expanded authority — signed into law by the Governor in 2023 – and is the first of NYPA’s initial tranche of projects highlighted in its renewables strategic plan, which was announced earlier this year and calls for 3 GW of potential renewable energy growth in New York 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,” said Gov. Hochul. “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.”

The Power Authority, through its wholly-owned subsidiary the New York Renewable Energy Development Holdings Corporation (NYRED), will construct and operate the 20-MW solar generation project on a 150-acre site about 50 miles north of Albany in the Capital Region. The large-scale solar project is estimated to create more than 100 union jobs during construction and operation.

The NYPA Renewables Strategic Plan is a roadmap for NYPA’s renewable energy development under its expanded authority to build additional renewable energy resources to support the State’s clean energy transition. Previously under development by Edison, New Jersey-based CS Energy, the Power Authority’s acquisition of Somers Solar will enable the original developer to reinvest their resources into future renewable project developments.

“NYPA’s acquisition of this large-scale solar project is the first of its kind under its expanded authority to build renewables. NYPA’s ownership will ensure affordable energy for New Yorkers while creating good paying union jobs and helping us reach our ambitious climate goals,” said Assemblymember Didi Barrett.

News item from NYPA