ConnectGen’s 270-MW New York solar project receives final permit approval

ConnectGen announced that its proposed South Ripley Solar Project has received a final siting permit from the New York State Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES). Based on a comprehensive review of the record, ORES found that the project complies with Executive Law 94-c and avoids, minimizes or mitigates, to the maximum extent practicable, potential significant adverse environmental impacts to the surrounding area.
The South Ripley Solar Project is a proposed 270-MW solar facility with a 20-MW battery energy storage component located in the Town of Ripley in Chautauqua County, New York, which will provide significant long-term benefits to the town and county for several decades. Through the approved PILOT and Host Community Agreements, the project is expected to contribute over $60 million in increased revenue to local taxing jurisdictions over its 30-plus year lifespan. In addition, the project is expected to create up to 200 family-wage jobs during construction.
“We want to thank ORES staff for their comprehensive review of our application, as well as state leaders and NYSERDA for their continued bold leadership in decarbonizing electricity supply,” said Caton Fenz, CEO of ConnectGen. “We appreciate ORES’ recognition of our extensive efforts to minimize and mitigate the environmental footprint of the project, and we look forward to bringing the South Ripley Solar Project over the finish line and delivering economic benefits to the Town of Ripley and Chautauqua County for the next several decades.”
This approval culminates a multi-year, detailed analysis and review of the biological, cultural and socioeconomical effects of the project. It was first announced along with a slate of planned projects in 2020 by then-Governor Andrew Cuomo.
To further protect important resources in the Town of Ripley, ConnectGen has committed to implementing a Final Forest Clearing and Mitigation Plan in coordination with the Town of Ripley and State of New York to minimize and mitigate potential impacts to local forests, including the preservation of existing forested lands within the Town of Ripley.
News item from ConnectGen