Major wind project capable of powering 62k homes approved for Steuben County

PRATTSBURGH, N.Y. ( WETM ) — Steuben County is set to see more wind energy after a major renewable energy project was announced on Tuesday, according to information from Governor Kathy Hochul’s Office.

The release states that two major renewable energy projects were approved in the state, one in Steuben County with a 53-acre wind farm and the other in St. Lawrence County with a 240-megawatt solar farm.

The release states that both projects will combine 387 megawatts of clean, renewable energy to New York’s electric grid, and are capable of powering a combined 123,000 homes.

The Prattsburgh wind farm project, a 147-megawatt project, is expected to span the towns of Prattsburgh, Avoca, Cohocton, Howard, and Wheeler, with developers saying it will produce enough energy for 62,000 homes.

The application for the wind project was completed on October 30, 2023, and a draft permit was done on December 29, 2023. The release said 36 wind turbines and related infrastructure will be installed across 53 acres of primarily rural land.

According to the release, $1.2 million will be generated annually in tax revenue for local municipalities and more than $500,000 in direct lease and neighbor agreement payments to landowners. The project is expected to create 81 on-site jobs during the construction of the turbines and eight full-time positions once the wind farm is operational.

“These two massive renewable energy projects are prime examples of our progress in transitioning to a clean energy economy,” Governor Hochul said. “With the issuance of these siting permits, we are creating good-paying jobs in the North Country and the Southern Tier, while providing clean sustainable energy for our families and businesses,” she said in a statement.

As for the solar farm, The Rich Road Solar project’s application was completed on Jan. 3 and a draft permit was issued on March 4, following a review process, the project was passed.

The release states the facility will feature three ground-mounted solar PV arrays on a single-axis tracker racking system, a kilovolt collection substation, and a point of interconnection switchyard.

The creation of the solar farm will bring in 300 full-time jobs, with four permanent jobs during operation. The project is expected to bring in $24 million in direct payments to the Town of Canton in St. Lawrence County, along with local school districts over the next 35 years.

Additional information from the Office of Renewable Energy on the projects can be found on the state’s website .

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