New York opens $160 RFP for large-scale clean energy projects

New York has announced plans to make a $160 million investment under the state’s Reforming the Energy Vision strategy to aid in the growth of large-scale clean energy projects. The funding, which will be administered competitively, is being made available to support public-private sector partnerships. 

“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,” New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. “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.” 

According to the governor’s office, the funding will support a variety of renewable energy sources, including biomass facilities, renewable biogas, wind farms, fuel cells and the upgrading of small- to medium-sized hydropower projects that provide power to the electric grid. Contracts will be awarded for a term of up to 20 years. Support for the projects will be provided by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority through the Main Tier of the state’s research portfolio standard (RPS).

This will be the tenth RPS Main Tier solicitation issued by NYSERDA for large-scale renewable projects. The previous nine RPS Maine Tier solicitations have resulted in approximately 2,036 MW of installed capacity at 65 projects that, once operational, will generate more than 5 million MWh of renewable energy annually. Another Main Tier solicitation is expected to be released in 2016.

NYSERDA is encouraging entities interested in participating to submit a notice of intent to bid form as soon as possible. Although filing the notice of intent to bid is not required, those who do submit the form will be notified by email of any changes to the RFP.

NYSERDA will conduct a teleconference on April 16 to review the bid process, the application package requirements, the bid proposal requirements, and the RPS standard form contract. Full application packages are due May 8. NYSERDA is expected to notify qualified bidders on June 2, and bid proposals will be due June 17. Winning bidders are expected to be notified in July. Additional information on the RFP and the application process is available on the NYSERDA website.