September 9, 2009
GOVERNOR PATERSON ANNOUNCES FUNDING FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECTS
Governor Delivers on Key Initiative of New Economy Jobs Plan
$95 Million Available Through Renewable Portfolio Standard Program
Governor David A. Paterson today announced that the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has released approximately $95 million for renewable energy projects in support of the State’s efforts to further the development of large-scale renewable resources. The funding will help to accelerate the development New York’s clean energy economy and is one of the key initiatives outlined in Governor Paterson’s New Economy jobs plan.
“By investing in clean renewable energy resources, not only do we aid in New York’s transition to a clean energy economy, we will also create jobs and help control energy costs for New Yorkers,” said Governor Paterson. “New York will be the global leader in the clean energy economy. As I outlined in my New Economy jobs plan, we can re-ignite the engine of New York’s economy through the development of a clean energy economy.”
This is the fourth competitive solicitation (RFP 1681) under the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) program to develop grid connected clean renewable energy projects, including wind, biomass, and run-of-river hydroelectric projects. New York’s successful RPS program is a key component to the Governor’s clean energy agenda and will stimulate economic activity by adding highly-skilled workers to the State’s workforce. The current RPS goal is to increase the proportion of renewable energy used by New York consumers to 25 percent by the year 2013. In his 2009 State of the State Address, the Governor announced that the RPS would be increased to 30 percent by 2015, and the Public Service Commission is currently considering how to expand the program.
New York is nationally recognized for its investments in clean renewable energy technologies. By the end of 2009 there should be 28 new renewable facilities operating, representing more than 1,164 MW of additional capacity capable of producing enough clean energy to supply nearly 500,000 homes. This includes 11 wind, 15 hydroelectric plant upgrades and two power plants that will displace coal with biomass.
The release of funding for large-scale renewable energy projects is the latest step to grow New York’s clean energy economy, a core component of Governor Paterson’s New Economy jobs plan. The Governor’s comprehensive draft State Energy Plan, which is the first step in redefining how the State approaches and satisfies its energy needs, is currently out for public comment. The draft State Energy Plan identifies strategies and provides recommendations that once implemented will make energy more reliable, secure and affordable for New Yorkers, address the threat of climate change and result in a cleaner environment.
In August, Governor Paterson launched the New York State Smart Grid Consortium to foster the development and deployment of new technology aimed at reducing the cost of electricity while increasing reliability. New York’s electricity grid is the primary delivery tool between energy suppliers and consumers. A “smart grid” uses digital technology to tell suppliers exactly when the electricity is needed. These modern control technologies can improve the efficiency of the entire system from the generators through the transmission and distribution systems down to the customer level. This will improve energy efficiency statewide, which will help control energy costs and create jobs for New Yorkers.
Senator Darrel J. Aubertine, chair of the Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee, said: “Investments in New York State’s clean energy future create jobs and put us on the right track toward a more environmentally responsible and sustainable energy future. Through the Renewable Portfolio Standard program, this $95 million is an opportunity for development in Upstate New York, where our renewable natural resources and an already budding industry can use this funding to create good paying jobs that will stay here for generations and cannot be outsourced. I want to thank the Governor for his ongoing efforts to promote clean energy and develop an energy plan for New York State that will move us toward a cleaner, more independent energy future.”
“The RPS program has been a resounding success in encouraging private investment in renewable energy in New York State and in realizing Governor Paterson’s vision of the New Economy, one based on knowledge, technology and innovation,” said Francis J. Murray Jr., President and CEO of NYSERDA. “By the end of this year, NYSERDA’s partnership with the Public Service Commission in implementing New York’s RPS will have resulted in the construction and operation of 28 new renewable energy facilities, representing more than 1,164 megawatts (MW) of new, clean generating capacity. As the Governor has repeatedly advocated, the RPS program confirms the economic wisdom and multiple benefits of sustained investment in renewable energy, including creating jobs, lowering consumer prices and improving environmental quality.”
“Moving forward with this solicitation reaffirms the important value we place on the development of the clean energy economy in New York,” said Garry Brown, Chairman of the New York State Public Service Commission, which instituted the RPS initiative in 2004. “It also provides an added incentive for renewable energy developers to leverage federal grants available under the federal stimulus package, thereby providing an even greater opportunity to boost renewable energy projects in our State.”
A report evaluating the performance of the RPS program released earlier this year noted that New York can recognize $4.2 billion in total economic benefits should all the large-scale, grid connected renewable energy generating facilities, competitively selected to-date, enter commercial operation and operate for an average 20-year lifespan. These benefits would come in the form of well-paying short and long term jobs, as well as new property tax revenues to local municipalities and school districts, royalty payments to landowners, purchase of construction materials and equipment rentals from local vendors, and various other economic multipliers.
A copy of the Request for Proposals along with other information can be found at http://www.nyserda.org/rps/index.asp
