'Recalibrate renewables' | New York awards 2.2GW of onshore solar, wind, and hydro
New procurement of onshore and offshore renewables reached 6.4GW and will generate 79% of total power demand by 2030
Along with its mammoth offshore wind awards, New York added 2.4GW of onshore solar, wind, and hydroelectric capacity that brings total renewable energy procurement to 6.4GW.
The 22 projects include 14 new solar arrays, six repowered and one new wind farm, and a return-to-service hydropower facility.
They are distributed throughout the state and will power 560,000 homes while spurring over $4bn in investment and creating some 4,100 jobs.
“Today, we are taking action to keep New York’s climate goals within reach, demonstrating to the nation how to recalibrate in the wake of global economic challenges while driving us toward a greener and more prosperous future for generations to come,” said governor Kathy Hochul.
Most of the state’s current renewable energy capacity is struggling with high inflation and interest rates as well as supply chain turmoil.
PSC said the increases would raise power prices too high and were “not in the best interests of State ratepayers”.
The total pipeline of capacity seeking contract renegotiations included 4.23GW of offshore wind, 7.5GW of onshore renewables, and a 1.7GW transmission line, according to New York Energy Research and Development Authority (Nyserda), the agency overseeing the state’s energy transition.
In the wake of the PSC’s rejection, Hochul laid out a 10-point plan to revitalise the large-scale renewable energy sector that includes inflation indexing as a "core principle" for new deals.
“Despite recent moves to limit renewables in the state, today’s announcement shows that New York can enhance its renewable energy capacity and continue leading in the fight against climate change,” said Josh Kaplowitz, vice president for offshore wind at renewable energy advocate American Clean Power Association.
As of 2022, renewables generated 29% of the power in New York, 7 of which came from hydropower, with the remainder primarily split between wind and solar, according to the state office of the comptroller.
The projects range in size from the 5MW Dolgeville Hydro hydroelectric facility in Herkimer County, to the new 298MW North Country Wind array in Franklin County.
The largest, the 401MW Mineral Basin solar farm, is also the only one located outside the state in neighbouring Pennsylvania but will deliver power to New York.
Nyserda said the average bill impact for customers over the life of the projects will be approximately $0.32 per month, with development costs around $61/MWh.
Nyserda also prioritised benefits to disadvantaged communities in its solicitation and awards included over $108m in commitments to disadvantaged communities.
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