Research and Development

NYPA begins conferral process to focus renewable energy generation priorities

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NYPA begins conferral process to focus renewable energy generation priorities

The New York Power Authority (NYPA) has begun the conferral process to help the authority shape its next steps and plans regarding renewable energy generation and the state’s clean energy targets.

NYPA is the largest state public power organization in the U.S., operating 16 generating facilities and more than 1,400 circuit-miles of transmission lines. More than 80% of the electricity NYPA produces is clean renewable hydropower.

This process is called for in legislation included in the 2023-24 Enacted New York State Budget that provides NYPA with new authority to develop, own and operate renewable energy generating projects to assist the state in meeting its clean energy targets. Through the conferral process, NYPA will gather input from state agencies and key stakeholders regarding progress on implementation of New York’s renewable energy goals as outlined in the state’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). NYPA leadership will confer with sister state agencies charged with implementing the clean energy agenda. Next, NYPA staff will meet with additional pertinent stakeholders, including climate and resiliency experts, labor organizations, and environmental justice and community organizations.

“Hearing from organizations involved and invested in the state’s clean energy transition is vital as the Power Authority shapes its next steps and plans for the coming decade,” said NYPA Board of Trustees Chairman John R. Koelmel, on behalf of NYPA trustees. “The conferral process will ensure that key voices are represented and can help inform NYPA’s strategic plan to build more renewable generation and decarbonize our economy for the benefit of all New Yorkers.”

The conferral process will yield a NYPA report that includes stakeholder perspectives on the state’s progress on CLCPA renewable energy goals, information about the generation interconnection process of the New York Independent System Operator, and other important issues. NYPA will use the conferral report to inform the development of a strategic plan that identifies projects and describes other actions NYPA will undertake to help the state meet its clean energy targets.

“With Governor Hochul’s leadership, we at the New York Power Authority will build upon our unique position and experience in operating the state’s clean energy hydropower plants for the past sixty years to work with stakeholders and help shape the clean energy vision for New York State,” said NYPA President and Chief Executive Officer Justin E. Driscoll. “The conferral process is the first step in our commitment to learn how we can best fill in gaps and put our distinct resources to work. We are excited to hear from our collaborators as we embark upon identifying new renewable energy generation projects that will help enable New York to lead the country’s decarbonization journey.”

A conferral process task force will shape the outreach and report. The task force consists of a cross-functional team that leverages internal subject matter experts from across NYPA, including development, strategy, legal and technical departments.

In May 2023, the 2023-24 Enacted State Budget provided NYPA with new authority to develop, own and operate renewable energy generating projects to assist the state in meeting its clean energy targets, including producing 70% of the state’s electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and creating a zero-emission statewide electrical system by 2040.