EDF Renewables North America has secured a long-term contract from New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) for the construction of 212MW Morris Ridge solar project.

EDF Renewables

Image: EDF Renewables to build solar project in New York. Photo: Courtesy of RK008/FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

EDF Renewables secured the contract as part of the 2018 Renewable Energy Standard Solicitation. The solar project will be located in the Town of Mount Morris, south of the Village of Mount Morris, on 1,000 acres of land and will be come online by the end of 2022.

EDF Renewables North America northeast region development director Stephane Desdunes said: “Our team is thrilled to be awarded the 170 MWac Morris Ridge Solar Project to help fulfill New York State’s goal to achieve 70% of the state’s electricity from renewable energy by 2030. The region, including the Town of Mount Morris and Livingston County, will benefit from procurement and employment opportunities throughout the development, construction and operational phases.

“Morris Ridge will bring more than 200 jobs during peak construction and contribute millions of dollars to the County, Town and School District during the operational life of the project.”

The green electricity generated from the solar plant will be enough to be supplied to more than 39,000 average New York homes, while avoiding nearly 140,000 metric tons of carbon (CO₂) emissions annually which is equivalent of taking away nearly 30,000 passenger vehicles off the street.

NYSERDA Large-Scale Renewables director Doreen Harris said: “Congratulations to EDF Renewables for its successful participation in this solicitation, which is a concrete step towards meeting New York’s nation-leading clean energy goals under Governor Cuomo’s Green New Deal.

“NYSERDA worked closely with EDF Renewables and the Town of Mount Morris to make community engagement and responsible siting a priority, ensuring the project will not only help steward our precious natural resources, but benefit the state and local economy, and its workers.”

Few days ago, the company acquired ownership of the 300MW Milligan 1 Wind Project located in Nebraska from York Nebraska Wind Partners, a partnership comprised of Aksamit Resource Management and York Capital Management.

The wind farm is presently under development and is anticipated to begin operations in the later part of next year. The wind farm will generate enough electricity to power about 115,000 average US homes, while avoiding 900,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions annually.