The Towns of Oakfield and Elba in Genesee County will soon be home to the largest solar facility in New York.
The New York State Office of Renewable Energy Siting issued a siting permit for Hecate Energy Cider Solar LCC to “develop, design, construct, operate, maintain, and decommission a 500-megawatt solar facility” in Oakfield and Elba, according to a release from the Governor’s Office on Monday.
State approves company’s application to build 500-megawatt solar facility in Oakfield and Elba
The office is tasked with environmental review and issuing permits related to major renewable energy facilities in New York State.
Hecate Energy Cider Solar is the fifth major renewable energy facility approved by the ORES since 2020.
Hochul’s press release called the facilities “vital” in achieving the state’s goals under the Climate Act, including its commitment to 70% renewable energy by 2030.
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Hecate Energy Cider Solar farm to power 125,000 homes, according to state projections
Hecate Energy, a Chicago-based renewable energy company, filed its application with the ORES in June 2021. Approval of the application was announced on Monday, July 25, 2022.
“ORES’s decision follows a detailed and transparent review with a robust public participation process to ensure the proposed facility meets or exceeds the requirements of Section 94-c of the Executive Law and its implementing regulations in a timely, cost-effective manner,” said the release.
“Today’s announcement is a significant step in reducing our dependence on fossil fuels, and further cements New York as a national leader in the fight to combat climate change,” said Hochul.
Once completed, the Hecate Energy Cider Solar farm is anticipated to generate enough clean energy to power over 125,000 homes, according to the state, as well as reduce roughly 462,000 tons of CO2 annually.
