By Blake Jackson
In celebration of Climate Week, Governor Hochul announced that the New York State Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES) has granted final siting permits for two significant renewable energy projects: the Rich Road Solar Energy Center and Prattsburgh Wind LLC.
Located in St. Lawrence County and Steuben County, these projects will collectively contribute 387 megawatts of clean energy to New York's electric grid, sufficient to power over 123,000 average-sized homes.
This initiative aligns with the state’s ambitious climate objectives while also delivering economic advantages to local communities.
“These two massive renewable energy projects are prime examples of our progress in transitioning to a clean energy economy,” said Governor Hochul. “With the issuance of these siting permits, we are creating good-paying jobs in the North Country and the Southern Tier, while providing clean sustainable energy for our families and businesses.”
The Rich Road Solar project, a 240 MW solar farm with an additional 20 MW battery energy storage system (BESS) in Canton, is expected to supply energy for more than 61,000 homes.
Meanwhile, the Prattsburgh wind farm, a 147 MW project covering multiple towns in Steuben County, will provide enough power for around 62,000 homes.
This announcement marks ORES's second and third major renewable energy facility permits issued this month, increasing the total to 18 large-scale projects approved since 2021, amounting to over 2.7 gigawatts of clean energy.
The timing coincides with New York’s Climate Week, underscoring the state’s commitment to advancing clean energy initiatives.
“Today’s announcement demonstrates the State’s continued commitment to a clean energy transition and the responsible siting and development of renewable energy resources", Jessica Waldorf, Interim Executive Director of ORES. "ORES’ issuance of the permits of the Rich Road Solar Energy Center and Prattsburgh Wind LLC projects will support the delivery of significant amounts of clean energy to the electric grid and local community benefits, while mitigating significant adverse environmental impacts.”
Sean Mahar, Interim Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation, noted, “The implementation of wind and solar developments like the projects announced today in St. Lawrence and Steuben counties is a critical part of Governor Hochul’s commitment to advancing a clean energy economy and achieving the goals of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.”
Photo Credit: istock-shansekala
Categories: New York, Energy