NYPA Plans  Solar Photovoltaic Project to Provide Green Energy Statewide-


It was announced earlier today that New York Governor, David A. Paterson, has partnered with the New York Power Authority (NYPA) to construct another 100 MW generating solar energy power plant for the state. This follows the recently publicized 50 MW solar photovoltaic project that the Governor initiated with the help of the Long Island Power Authority. These solar power developments will collectively total 150 MW and will place New York as the second highest state with established solar energy production ability. The proposal will help execute the governor’s clean energy investing agenda, stimulate the dwindling economy by providing green energy jobs statewide and strengthen energy independence in the United States. The governor’s assertive renewable energy policy – ‘45 by 15’ – requires that 45 percent of New York’s electricity must be provided by clean renewable energy by the year 2015. It has been projected that the powerful initiative will create roughly 50,000 renewable energy jobs for the state. Governor Paterson is hopeful about New York’s solar energy future, stating, “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… 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.”

The New York Power Authority will begin by delivering a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) so that they may explore a public-private partnership for the induction of 100 megawatts of solar photovoltaic roof or ground-mounted solar arrays at city facilities, businesses, State agencies and public/private schools. The power authority is requesting proposals which will encourage economic growth for resident solar module production. Lucrative benefits for local companies may possibly involve prospects to produce solar PV components statewide and establish green energy jobs in the area involving installation, operation, maintenance and support of the solar photovoltaic systems. The solar energy plant announcement is the fourth green energy program the governor has brought forth in the last few weeks, which is helping to station New York as an international pioneer in dedicated renewable energy advancements. The other proposals involve Governor Paterson partnering with General Electric to create a new sodium battery production plant in the Capital area that will provide New York with over 300 new green jobs, as well as investing more than $25 million to create the New York Battery and Energy Storage Technology Consortium (NY BEST) so that advancements can be made with plug-in hybrid vehicles – and last – but not least, the creation of Long Island’s first built-in Smart Energy Corridor, which will aid commercial, residential and industrial Long Island Power Authority consumers in reducing energy consumption, while increasing reliability with smarter grid technology, encouraging energy efficiency and creating new green energy jobs. “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,” said Senator Darrel J. Aubertine, Chair of the State Energy Committee, “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.”