CS Energy, Goldman Sachs Renewable Power Group (GSRP) and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), initiated construction on 216 MWdc of new utility-scale solar projects across New York. The projects are expected to achieve commercial operations by the end of 2021, making them the first operational utility-scale solar projects in upstate New York.
“CS Energy is proud to continue to support New York as it achieves its ambitious clean energy goals,” said Eric Millard, CCO of CS Energy. “As the leading solar company in the state, we are proud to be leading upstate New York’s first utility-scale solar projects in close collaboration with local communities.”
In 2016, New York’s Public Service Commission established the Clean Energy Standard, which has been further bolstered by 2019’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, committing that 70% of the electricity consumed in New York would be generated by renewable energy sources by 2030. The eight solar projects were developed in coordination with the community and regional stakeholders and were awarded contracts by NYSERDA as part of its Renewable Energy Standard Request for Proposals in 2017 and 2018.
The solar portfolio created more than 500 jobs and represents over $160 million of private investment and is expected to generate over $80 million in benefits for local communities and regions. These benefits accrue to local landowners, property tax jurisdictions, as well as the local contractors who will provide ongoing operations and maintenance support for the projects.
To date, CS Energy has built over 150 MWdc of solar projects in New York, and by the end of 2021 that number will be close to 500 MWdc. CS Energy recently opened a regional headquarters in Albany and currently employs more than 45 full-time project management and engineering staff in New York and supports a network of construction labor, local suppliers and subcontractors. CS Energy was recently named New York’s Top Solar Contractor by Solar Power World in its annual ranking of top solar companies nationwide.
CS Energy partnered with the Goldman Sachs Renewable Power Group to provide the financing and asset management services required to successfully construct, own and operate the projects. Goldman Sachs Renewable Power Group currently owns and operates more than 2.3 GW of clean power across the country.
“The GSAM Renewable Power Group is excited that the State of New York has demonstrated such decisive leadership with the Clean Energy Standard, which is critical for renewable energy project development and capital formation in New York,” said Michael Conti, VP of GSAM Renewable Power Group. “We are happy to support the state’s initiative and work with CS Energy, a company that shares our focus on delivering exceptional quality to its customers while helping to realize a low-carbon future for the people of New York.”
The solar project portfolio is:
Darby Solar, 27 MWdc – Capital Region, in Easton
Branscomb Solar, 27 MWdc – Capital Region, in Easton
Stillwater Solar, 27 MWdc – Capital Region, in Stillwater
Grissom Solar, 27 MWdc – Mohawk Valley, in Mohawk
Regan Solar, 27 MWdc – Mohawk Valley, in Mohawk
Pattersonville Solar, 27 MWdc – Mohawk Valley, in Pattersonville
Janis Solar, 27 MWdc – Southern Tier, in Willet
Puckett Solar, 27 MWdc – Southern Tier, in Greene
Stillwater Solar was developed by East Light Partners, acquired by GSRP and is being constructed by CS Energy
