The New York Power Authority (NYPA) has announced a preliminary version of its updated strategic plan, aiming to significantly increase public investment in renewable energy and storage solutions across the State of New York. The document outlines the implementation of 20 new renewable energy production sites and 156 storage projects, which alone represent more than 3.8GW of additional capacity. The entire envisaged strategic portfolio now reaches nearly 7GW, a capacity sufficient to power approximately seven million households.

Expansion of projects and support for the local economy

The plan highlights 17 solar initiatives, three wind projects, and a major expansion of storage infrastructure in several regions. The public comment period continues until 12 September, with online hearings scheduled in August to gather input from stakeholders. NYPA management notes that this update doubles the capacity presented in the initial plan released six months earlier.

Economic incentives and private investment

Alongside this strategy, the NYPA board of directors has approved measures intended to encourage nearly $395mn in private investment (about €364mn) and support 616 jobs. These actions notably include allocations from the ReCharge NY programme, providing more than 2,300kW of electricity at preferential rates to nine companies located throughout the State, such as in the Capital Region and on Long Island.

These measures are expected to help maintain and create 579 jobs, while generating nearly $35mn in capital investment (about €32mn). Beneficiaries include Briggs & Stratton in Madison County and Supreme Screw Products on Long Island. In addition, more than $1.5mn from the Western New York Power Proceeds are allocated to the Aquarium of Niagara and Natrion.

Network modernisation and sector transition

The previous month, the Public Service Commission (PSC) of the State of New York approved infrastructure projects representing $636.2mn (about €586mn) in investment to remove constraints on the electricity grid. Initiatives led by Consolidated Edison and National Grid plan to add 642MW of new capacity to accelerate the decarbonisation of the State’s transport and building sectors.

Through this expanded plan, NYPA aligns itself with the rising demand for electricity driven by increased electrification and regional energy targets. The rapid growth of renewable and storage projects is expected to reinforce supply security and support local economic momentum while addressing the sector’s structural transformation.