Dive Brief:
- New York on Tuesday announced its third annual solicitation for large-scale renewable energy projects under the state's Clean Energy Standard. Officials say it will support 1.5 million MWh of green electricity each year.
- The procurement will help to meet a 70% renewable standard by 2030 under New York's Green New Deal, and will support 1,000 jobs in the state.
- In the past two years, the Empire State has awarded $2.9 billion in contracts to 46 land-based wind and solar projects. State officials expect the latest procurement will result in the development of "dozens of large-scale renewable projects."
Dive Insight:
New York continues to procure large-scale renewable resources on an annual basis, accelerating the state's progress on aggressive climate goals for the power sector. The latest solicitation is expected to net sufficient resources to power 200,000 homes and spur over $1 billion in private investment.
For the third consecutive year, New York "is continuing to lead by example," Gov. Andrew Cuomo, D, said in a statement. In the last two years, projects tapped under the annual procurement have helped create $7 billion in direct investment in the clean energy sector, according to the state.
The latest solicitation "will be a critical part of the state's bold plan to meet the unprecedented challenges posed by climate change," Cuomo said.
In addition, renewable energy prices are falling, to the benefit of consumers. According to Cuomo's office, recently awarded bid prices under the Clean Energy Standard program are about 23% lower than those awarded just two years ago.
"Building upon our momentum, future projects will continue to help lower consumer costs," Alicia Barton, President and CEO of New York State Energy Research & Development, said in a statement.
The third annual solicitation will also include provisions requiring that workers be paid certain wages, and encouraging the development of energy storage.
The Clean Energy Standard procurements already awarded will generate "enough renewable energy to power the four largest upstate cities while bringing good paying jobs and economic benefits to local host communities," Barton said.
Resource eligibility submissions are due May 24, with applications for qualification packages due June 13. Bid proposals are due Sept. 10.
