News Article
Solar Set To Shine For New York
New York Power Authority plans for 100 MW photovoltaic project
Governor David A. Paterson has 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.
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.”
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.
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.”
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.
“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.
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.”
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.
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.”
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.
