Two Rivers, Fort Covington solar projects moving forward
May 24—MASSENA — Boralex Inc. has entered into a Renewable Energy Standard Agreement with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to move two proposed solar projects forward — Two Rivers Solar Project in the towns of Massena and Brasher and Fort Covington Solar Farm in Fort Covington.
Gov. Kathleen C. Hochul announced Thursday that contracts had been executed for 26 projects that, when completed, will provide more than 2.5 gigawatts of clean energy, which she said is enough to power more than 670,000 homes in the state.
In addition, Hochul said, the projects will create more than 1,900 near-term, family-supporting jobs, and generate more than $6 billion in private investment.
The contracts were awarded as part of NYSERDA's 2024 Renewable Energy Standard Competitive Solicitation for the purchase of New York Tier-1 Eligible Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). Each REC represents the environmental attributes of 1 megawatt-hour of electricity generated from an eligible renewable source such as solar energy
"This is very exciting news for our town and the state as it looks to achieve its climate goals," Brasher Town Supervisor Mark A. Peets said. "Throughout the development of this project, Boralex has done an excellent job communicating the benefits to our community. They've listened to our concerns and, more importantly, made meaningful project changes that have helped build trust and support. We look forward to the hundreds of construction jobs, and tens of millions of dollars in economic development these projects will provide."
"These developments are great news for our community and the surrounding area," Massena Town Supervisor Susan J. Bellor said. "I very much look forward to continuing to strengthen the relationship between Boralex and our town, and I'm excited about the long-term positive economic impact the project will have — not only for the participating landowners, but the broader community."
Boralex US Development LLC filed an application with the state Office of Renewable Energy Siting and Electric Transmission (ORES) in January for the proposed solar facility in the towns of Brasher and Massena. The permit application is currently under review by ORES.
The Two Rivers Solar Project will be an approximately 200-megawatt solar photovoltaic electric generating facility located on approximately 1,000 acres of land.
Project representatives had provided an overview of the plans during two open houses, one in September in Brasher and another in April 2024 at the Massena Community Center.
The project, which Boralex originated in 2021, will include solar arrays and other project infrastructure such as the site roads, substation, and electrical interconnection to the New York Power Authority's new 345-kilovolt circuit.
The project will create approximately 150 jobs during construction, as well as two to three long-term jobs to support operations and maintenance. Officials said during the open house that they were committed to developing a local workforce and using local workers as much as possible. In addition, the project will boost the local economy and add commerce for local businesses during construction and operation, and will provide significant tax revenues to the towns of Massena and Brasher, St. Lawrence County and local school districts.
Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with commissioning expected in 2028.
More information about the project can be found at https://www.boralex.com/projects/two-rivers/.
The Two Rivers Solar Project and Fort Covington Solar Farm were among seven north country projects that entered into contracts. Others included the Lyons Falls Mill Repower in Lewis County and Tracy Solar Energy Center in Jefferson County, as well as projects in Essex and Clinton counties.
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