New York State has kicked off a $160 million competitive solicitation for large-scale clean energy projects.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo, D-N.Y., announced the $160 million investment, and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has issued a request for proposals (RFP) under the state's renewable portfolio standard (RPS).
"This funding is a crucial resource for the development of New York's clean energy infrastructure, and by supporting large-scale projects we are ensuring that the grid can meet the needs of a growing economy," says Cuomo. "Investing in these kinds of projects is another example of how we are building a cleaner and more sustainable future in New York State, and I look forward to seeing that progress unfold in the years ahead."
The new investment is part of the state's Reforming the Energy Vision, which calls for creating a cleaner, more reliable and more affordable energy system in New York State.
The funding will support private investment in renewable energy sources such as wind farms, fuel cells, biomass facilities, renewable biogas and the upgrading of small- to medium-sized hydropower projects that provide power to the electric grid
NYSERDA will award contracts to winning projects for a term of up to 20 years. Notably, for the first time ever, fuel cell projects will also be eligible for 20-year contracts.
‘The large clean energy projects that are made possible by this RPS investment will have a positive impact on the environment and the economy of New York State," says NYSERDA President and CEO John B. Rhodes. "In addition, they will help advance Governor Cuomo's energy objectives, including the growth of renewable electric generation projects.’
Interested parties must submit application packages to NYSERDA by May 8, and the agency will notify qualified bidders on June 2. Following that, bid proposals are due June 17, and NYSERDA will notify winning bidders in July.Â
NYSERDA says its nine previous RPS solicitations for large-scale renewable projects have resulted in approximately 2.04 GW of installed capacity at 65 projects that, once operational, will generate more than 5 million megawatt-hours of renewable energy annually. Another solicitation is expected to be released in 2016.
More information about the solicitation process is available here.
