New York awarded eight projects energy storage and 13 renewable energy facilities that, together, will mobilize more than $3.7 billion in private investment.
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) it awarded contracts to develop eight large-scale energy storage projects and 13 onshore renewable energy projects.
Together, these facilities will add approximately 1.7 gigawatts (GW) of new energy resources to the state, the portfolio includes 950 megawatts (MW) of storage and more than 719 MW of renewable capacity.
In addition, NYSERDA estimates that the projects will generate more than $3.700 million in private investment and create more than 1,000 jobs.
New York adds 950 MW of energy storage
The eight storage projects will add 950 MW of capacity once they are operational, the facilities will be distributed across western New York, the Finger Lakes, the Hudson Valley, New York City, and Long Island.
The selection was made through a competitive process in which proposals were received for 46 projects, with a combined capacity of approximately 6 GW.
The awarded systems will have a discharge duration of between four and eight hours, allowing electricity to be stored during periods of lower demand and used later when the grid requires additional resources.
The selected projects are Lighthouse Energy Storage and Zenobe Burns, in western New York; Eastwater Energy Storage, in the Finger Lakes; KCE NY 5, in the Hudson Valley; Blue Spruce Storage and Palladium Storage, in the Bronx; and Holtsville Energy Storage and KCE NY 37, on Long Island.
Lithium-ion batteries to reinforce the electrical grid
The eight projects will use technology from lithium-ion batteries and must comply with the safety codes for energy storage systems in effect in New York as of January 1, 2026.
The standards include requirements related to the safe location of facilities, the training of first responders, and the preparation of comprehensive plans to address potential emergencies.
Payments under the contracts will begin once the facilities are commercially operational, after obtaining the necessary permits and local approvals. According to the projected schedule, all storage projects should be operational by the end of 2030.
NYSERDA also plans to launch a second call for large-scale storage projects before the end of the year, the program aims to contract a total of 3 GW of capacity through three bidding processes.
Thirteen renewable projects will contribute more than 719 MW
In parallel, NYSERDA awarded 13 onshore projects renewable energy which will add more than 719 MW of new capacity. According to the agency’s estimates, these facilities could produce enough electricity annually to power more than 230,000 New York City homes.
The portfolio combines solar, onshore wind, and hydroelectric projects distributed across various regions of the state. Selected developments include Flint Mine Solar, Hecate Energy Greene 1 and 2, Spier Falls, High Dam Hydroelectric Facility, Wethersfield Windpark, Chateaugay Windpark, and Diamond Island Hydroelectric Facility.
The list also includes Ellenburg Windpark, Greens Corners Solar Park, Rich Road Solar Energy Center, Theresa Hydroelectric Project and Canisteo Wind Energy Center.
Several of these projects have already begun construction activities, and according to the announced schedule, all 13 renewable energy facilities should be operational by 2030.
Energy investment exceeding $3.700 million
The awards will also have a significant economic impact, NYSERDA estimates that the 21 projects will mobilize more than $3.7 billion in private investment and create more than 1,000 jobs.
In addition, more than $127 million in economic benefits are expected for disadvantaged communities identified by the Climate Justice Working Group.
The new capacity will be added to a state portfolio that currently includes 95 solar, onshore wind, hydroelectric, and offshore wind projects in operation or under development. Together, these represent approximately 10.5 GW of clean energy capacity.
With these new awards, New York seeks to advance simultaneously in renewable energy generation and energy storage. Batteries will allow for more flexible management of available electricity, while new solar, wind, and hydroelectric projects will expand the state’s generation capacity.
Source: NYSERDA
Photo: Shutterstock
