State signs off on 100 MW solar farm in Alfred. See location, site plan, impact

A new Allegany County solar farm received final state approval and is all clear to proceed with construction, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Tuesday.

The Alfred Oaks solar farm , a 100-megawatt project in the town of Alfred, was issued a final siting permit from the New York State Office of Renewable Energy Siting and Electric Transmission (ORES).

Alfred Town Supervisor Fion MacCrea said the project "represents significant, necessary change in energy production."

"Rural New York State towns like Alfred are on the forefront of these new investments, whose large scale installations come with costs and rewards," said MacCrea. "Our experience so far in Alfred has shown that ORES, DEC, and other State offices are important players in assuring the responsible and equitable development of projects statewide.

"We look forward to ongoing engagement with state leaders who support local government participation in New York's cleaner energy future.”

Where is the Alfred Oaks solar farm?

The Alfred Oaks solar farm is centered around the Jericho Hill Road, Pingrey Hill Road and McAndrews Road areas. About 1,030 acres have been leased for the project, with around 600-700 acres expected to be covered by rows of photovoltaic panels. The site will also feature a 20 MW battery storage facility. An overhead transmission line will connect to the existing 115-kilovolt Andover-Palmiter Road transmission line owned and operated by NYSEG.

How much power will Alfred Oaks solar generate?

The 100 MW solar farm will produce enough electricity to power more than 13,000 average-sized houses, according to Hochul's office. The electricity production will reduce carbon emissions by over 87,250 metric tons each year, the equivalent of taking more than 49,400 cars off the road.

What is the economic impact of Alfred Oaks?

Hochul said construction will create over 170 full-time jobs and generate approximately $22.8 million in earnings. When the facility is operational, it will create two full-time equivalent jobs with an estimated $120,000 in annual earnings. The project will be subject to a payment-in-lieu of taxes and host community agreements, contributing tax dollars and investments in infrastructure, services, and resources for Alfred residents.

Where does Alfred Oaks fit in state's clean energy goals?

Alfred Oaks is the 16th major renewable energy facility permit issued by ORES since 2021, representing over 2.4 gigawatts of total new clean energy. The state's Climate Act mandates 70 percent renewable electricity by 2030 and a zero-emissions electricity sector by 2040.

"The state's approval of the siting permit for our Alfred Oaks Solar Project in Allegany County is a critical step forward in the project’s development and is the result of a strong collaborative working relationship with the Town of Alfred and other local stakeholders," Northland Power Senior Director of Development Chris Stanton said. "We look forward to continuing to work in partnership with Alfred University, other local educational institutions, labor unions, and local and regional suppliers to bring this project to fruition in the coming years."

This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: State signs off on 100 MW solar farm in Alfred. See location, site plan, impact