NYS takes over solar energy project in Fort Edward

FORT EDWARD, N.Y. (NEWS10) — A renewable energy project will soon be underway in Washington County, Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Tuesday. The project will reportedly create more than 100 jobs.

According to the governor's announcement, the New York Power Authority (NYPA) has acquired full ownership of the Somers Solar Project in the town of Fort Edward. The agency will be responsible for constructing and operating the 20-megawatt solar generation plant.

The Somers Solar Project, which will be built on a 150-acre site about 50 miles north of Albany, marks the first in the NYPA's Renewables Strategic Plan, which aims to bring three gigawatts of potential renewable energy growth to New York State -- reportedly enough to power 2.5 to 3 million households. The large-scale construction and operation of the solar generation project will bring more than 100 union jobs to the area, the governor said.

"The project reflects New York's efforts to create a greener, more resilient energy system that benefits all New Yorkers, and demonstrates our focus to driving economic growth in local communities while creating good-paying union jobs," Governor Hochul said.

The development is also the first project acquired by the NYPA since the agency's authority was expanded by Governor Hochul in 2023. With the expansion, NYPA was called to accelerate renewable energy development within the state, as well as support workforce training and decarbonization efforts.

Over 30 additional projects are being considered for NYPA development in 2025, including in Albany County, Ulster County, Schoharie County and other locations around the Capital Region. According to the NYPA, the majority of the projects are undergoing project due diligence. If the entire 2025 portfolio is operationalized, the agency said, the projects would bring in billions of dollars in private and public capital.