New York Approves Cypress Creek's 140-MW Solar Project

• New York greenlights Cypress Creek's 140-MW solar project, powering 23,000 homes and cutting 177,000 tonnes of CO2, set to transform Madison County's energy landscape by 2026.

New York State regulators have approved Cypress Creek Renewables' 140-MW solar project in Madison County, as announced by Governor Kathy Hochul's office. The Oxbow Hill Solar project received a final siting permit from the New York State Office of Renewable Energy Siting and Electric Transmission. It will be located in Fenner, connecting to the grid via a National Grid-owned 115-kV transmission line, and will share land with the existing Fenner wind farm, creating a solar-wind complex.

The solar farm will generate enough electricity for approximately 23,000 homes and offset over 177,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions. Construction is set to begin in 2026. Cypress Creek secured the project through a 2023 renewable energy procurement. Since 2021, New York has approved 28 large-scale solar and wind projects.

How will the Oxbow Hill Solar project impact New York's renewable energy landscape?

• Increased Renewable Capacity: The Oxbow Hill Solar project will add 140 MW of solar capacity to New York's renewable energy portfolio, contributing to the state's goal of achieving 70% renewable electricity by 2030.
• Synergy with Existing Infrastructure: By sharing land with the existing Fenner wind farm, the project creates a hybrid renewable energy complex, optimizing land use and potentially enhancing grid stability through diversified energy sources.
• Economic Benefits: The project is expected to create jobs during the construction phase and provide long-term economic benefits to the local community through increased tax revenues and potential lease payments to landowners.
• Environmental Impact: By offsetting over 177,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually, the project will significantly contribute to New York's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change.
• Grid Integration: The connection to a National Grid-owned 115-kV transmission line ensures efficient integration into the existing grid infrastructure, facilitating the distribution of clean energy to a broader area.
• Support for State Policies: The project aligns with New York's Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, which mandates aggressive targets for renewable energy deployment and carbon reduction.
• Inspiration for Future Projects: As part of a series of large-scale renewable projects approved since 2021, Oxbow Hill Solar serves as a model for future developments, showcasing the feasibility and benefits of integrating solar and wind energy.