New York Governor Paterson Announces Plans For Largest Solar Project In State History

New York Power Authority Plans to Advance Statewide 100 MW Photovoltaic Project to Help Implement Governor’s Clean Energy Agenda, Increase Energy Independence and Create Clean Energy Jobs

New York Governor David A. Paterson today announced the largest solar photovoltaic project in New York, which will help the State meet its energy needs, foster the development of solar technologies and stimulate the economy with new clean energy jobs.

This initiative follows on the heels of the Governor’s recently announced 50 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) project, lead by the Long Island Power Authority. Together, these projects totaling 150 MW would position New York as the State with the second highest installed PV capacity.

“Today’s announcement is a critical step forward in achieving New York’s goals under its Renewable Portfolio Standard and in boosting the State’s energy independence,” said Governor Paterson. “The installation of 100 megawatts of solar power at our schools, municipal and commercial buildings, and other State sites will enhance New York State’s status as a leader in the new clean energy economy and will create clean energy jobs right here in New York State.”

Today’s announcement is the fourth major clean energy initiative Governor Paterson has unveiled in the last two weeks, which is positioning New York as a global leader in energy efficiency and renewable energy technology. Continuing on this path will position New York to become a net exporter of clean energy technologies to the rest of the world. Other recent announcements include:

* Along with General Electric (GE) Chairman and CEO Jeff Immelt, Governor Paterson announced that GE has proposed the establishment of a new sodium battery manufacturing facility in the Capital Region that would create 350 new jobs.
* LIPA, along with Stony Brook University and Farmingdale State College proposed the creation of Long Island’s first integrated Smart Energy Corridor, to assist residential, commercial and industrial LIPA customers in monitoring and reducing energy usage; increase reliability; encourage energy efficiency by facilitating smarter technologies; and create clean energy jobs.
* The creation the New York Battery and Energy Storage Technology Consortium (known as NY BEST), which implements a key goal identified in Governor Paterson’s State of the State address, will invest more than $25 million to finance the Consortium, a first of its kind in the nation and a critical component in advancing the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) industry in New York.

On behalf of the State, the New York Power Authority (NYPA) will issue a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) for the purpose of exploring a public-private partnership for the installation of up to 100 megawatts (MW) of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, including roof-mounted and ground-mounted PV arrays at municipal facilities, public and private schools, businesses and State agencies throughout New York.

Specifically, NYPA is seeking proposals that would promote potential regional economic development opportunities for local component manufacturing and assembly. Such economic benefits could include opportunities to manufacture PV components in the State, particularly in Western New York, and foster clean energy jobs in the region that would be associated with installing, operating and maintaining the PV facilities and other related support functions.

Governor Paterson’s ‘45 by 15’ program is one of the nation’s most aggressive energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives. By 2015, New York State will receive 45 percent of its electricity through energy efficiency and clean renewable energy. It is conservatively estimated that this program will create 50,000 new jobs throughout the State.

Senator Darrel J. Aubertine, Chair of the Senate Energy Committee, said: “This is an exciting new possibility that will help move New York State toward its goals for a renewable and sustainable energy future. A public-private partnership like this will spur job growth in Upstate New York with a potential for manufacturing and assembly, in addition to construction, operation and maintenance of the photovoltaic systems. This combination of green energy and good jobs is what we’re hoping to foster more of throughout the state and I look forward to working with the industry and leading institutions to make sure this is just the beginning of more good news to come.”

Assemblyman Kevin Cahill, Chair of the Assembly Energy Committee, said: “The continued development and application of solar energy technologies is critical as we work towards energy independence in New York State. The Power Authority, under Governor Paterson’s leadership, is positioning itself as a national leader in implementing the energy efficiency and renewable power initiatives that will make up the foundation of our green economy.”

President and CEO of NYPA Richard M. Kessel said: “Through projects such as this one, NYPA will continue to support Governor Paterson’s clean energy economy vision and his ‘45 by 15’ program which will create clean energy jobs throughout the State, and result in a more independent and diverse energy system, and a cleaner environment. The installation of additional clean solar power in New York will increase the availability of locally-generated renewable power, off-setting reliance on imported energy and reducing emissions of greenhouse gases.”

In addition to providing clean power to the host facilities, NYPA’s project will explore the technical and economic feasibility of large-scale power at distributed locations, examine the use of solar power as localized electric generation to support the electric grid and defer the need for new distribution lines.

NYSEIA Executive Director John F. Siciliani said: “The New York Solar Energy Industries Association (NYSEIA) applauds NYPA on this ambitious effort to bring clean renewable power to New York State. NYSEIA and its members look forward to participating in this initiative and its potential to bring green jobs and energy independence to New York.”

CCE Executive Director Adrienne Esposito said: “With today’s announcement, New York can look forward to a brighter energy future. New York is sending a critical message that large scale energy production doesn’t have to come from polluting fossil fuels, but rather it can be obtained from clean, renewable, homegrown solar power. Citizens Campaign for the Environment applauds Governor Paterson and NYPA for thinking outside the barrel and aggressively pursuing a new energy vision for the millennium.”

Director of the nonprofit Network for New Energy Choices Kyle Rabin said: “New Yorkers want renewable energy, and they want the green jobs that go with it. This initiative is just what the public is clamoring for, particularly in the beleaguered economies of Western New York and the urban areas that are looking for ways to clean the air, reduce electric costs and embrace a 21st Century energy plan.”

Executive Director of the utility-focused Solar Electric Power Association Julia Hamm said: “The New York Power Authority’s RFEI regarding a 100 MW solar initiative is another significant indicator that electric utilities in the U.S. are realizing the value and importance of solar electricity to the nation’s energy future. The eventual implementation of this program will earn NYPA a place as one of the leading utilities for solar integration in the nation.”

Executive Director of the Alliance for Clean Energy (ACE NY) Carol E. Murphy said: “Today’s announcement by Governor Paterson that the New York Power Authority will develop 100 MW in solar photovoltaic projects across New York is commendable for its impact and scope. This initiative will help bolster New York's clean energy sector. It’s now time to put our words to action and develop a green economy that protects our planet and puts New Yorkers back to work.”

According to NYPA, the power generated by 100 MW is the equivalent of powering approximately 15,000 homes.

NYPA’s RFEI can be accessed on the NYPA website http://www.nypa.gov/100mwSolarRFEI.htm or look for the link on NYPA’s home page (www.nypa.gov). The deadline for receipt of RFEI proposals is July 7, 2009.

The information provided through the RFEI will assist NYPA in determining the feasibility of taking the next step of preparing a solar project RFP which, if issued, would likely result in project commencement in 2010.

Source: New York Governor