New York Selects First Power Generators For Renewable Portfolio
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has chosen five power generation producers to provide renewable energy in the first phase of the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard program (RPS).
Approved in Sepember 2004 by the New York Public Service Commission, the program is designed to increase the amount of electricity sold to consumers in New York State that is generated from renewable resources to at least 25 percent by 2013.
Two wind facilities and three small hydroelectric projects were chosen in the first phase, and they will receive a total amount of funding of $15.7 million in the first year.
The wind projects selected include Flat Rock in Lewis County, and Jersey-Atlantic Wind Farm, in New Jersey.
The small hydroelectric projects selected include Browns Falls Hydro and Higley Hydro in St. Lawrence County, and Spier Falls Hydro in Saratoga County.
The five power producers are expected to provide a total of 697,832 megawatts of eligible renewable electricity production in the first year.
“Increased use of renewable resources will produce greater fuel diversity for New York State, which will ultimately work to reduce energy price volatility and shield ratepayers from the impacts of price spikes for oil, natural gas, and coal,” said William Flynn, Chairman of the Public Service Commission.
“New York’s RPS is a smart energy initiative that will stimulate economic development in the fast-growing area of clean energy technologies while also producing environmental benefits as we tap into cleaner energy resources,” Flynn said.
When fully implemented in 2013, the RPS is expected to reduce air emissions of nitrogen oxide by 6.8 percent, sulfur dioxide by 5.9 percent, and carbon dioxide by 7.7 percent throughout the state. The state also projects a boost in economic development activity from the growth of the renewable energy industry.
“We were extremely pleased with the response and the mix of renewable energy projects that were proposed in this first round solicitation,” said NYSERDA President Peter Smith. “Not only will these projects begin helping us reduce our dependence on fossil fuel, but New Yorkers will reap the environmental and economic benefits that we had envisioned.”
Provided by the Environmental News Service.
