Seneca and Cayuga counties are set to benefit from New York State’s latest investment in renewable energy, as Governor Kathy Hochul announced executed contracts for 23 land-based renewable energy projects statewide. Among them, key projects in these counties will contribute to more than 2.3 gigawatts of clean energy, providing enough power for 700,000 homes across the state.
In Cayuga County, three significant projects will bring solar energy to the region: Dog Corners Solar, Scipio Solar, and the Garnet Energy Center. In neighboring Seneca County, the Trelina Solar Energy Center will provide additional renewable energy capacity. Combined, these projects will create family-sustaining jobs and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, marking a critical step toward New York’s climate goals.
“These projects demonstrate our commitment to a clean energy future while supporting local communities with job creation and private investment,” Governor Hochul said. “By harnessing renewable energy, we’re building a stronger, more resilient grid that benefits all New Yorkers.”
The renewable energy investments are part of the state’s broader push to meet the targets of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). Together, the projects in Cayuga and Seneca counties align with the state’s goal of achieving an emissions-free economy by 2050, reducing CO2 emissions by 2.3 million metric tons annually—equivalent to taking 350,000 cars off the road.
NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris praised the initiatives, stating, “These projects exemplify responsible renewable energy development that protects our natural resources while creating healthier communities.”
Local stakeholders also celebrated the announcement. The Garnet Energy Center in Cayuga County, developed by NextEra Energy Resources, is set to bring significant private investment to the area. Similarly, the Trelina Solar Energy Center in Seneca County underscores the Finger Lakes region’s growing role in New York’s clean energy transition.
As construction begins on several of these projects, state agencies, including NYSERDA, are working with local governments to ensure responsible development and maximize community benefits.
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