The New York State Department of Public Service Office of Renewable Energy Siting and Electric Transmission has granted a final siting permit to Boralex LLC for the Two Rivers Solar Project. The facility, with a capacity of 200 megawatts, will be located in the towns of Brasher and Massena in St. Lawrence County.
Governor Kathy Hochul stated, “This latest investment in solar power in New York State proves once again our commitment to improving grid reliability and building a clean energy economy. The many projects we have approved over the last few years are a testament to New York’s commitment to sustainability and resiliency.”
Rory M. Christian, Chair and Chief Executive Officer of the Public Service Commission, said, “The Two Rivers approval is another step forward in building New York’s clean energy future. Projects such as this one demonstrate that we can strengthen grid reliability and reduce emissions while investing in the communities that make this progress possible.”
Once operational in 2028, the Two Rivers Solar Project is expected to supply enough renewable electricity for about 56,000 homes and offset more than 91,261 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually. Since 2021, New York State has approved 36 large-scale solar and wind projects totaling around 4.5 gigawatts of new renewable energy generation.
Zeryai Hagos, Executive Director of ORES, commented, “I am proud of the work that ORES is doing to bring clean, affordable energy to New York State. Not only will the Two Rivers Solar Facility generate enough power for tens of thousands of homes, it will provide meaningful tax revenue and community benefits to the residents of Brasher and Massena.”
Local officials noted potential economic impacts from the project. Mark Peets, Supervisor for the Town of Brasher, said Boralex engaged well with community concerns: “Boralex has done an excellent job communicating the benefits of this project 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 the tens of millions of dollars in economic development these projects will provide.” Ray Lancto, Supervisor for Massena, added his support: “The Two Rivers Solar Project will have a positive effect on the Town of Massena. With the loss of many manufacturing jobs, Massena is seeking positive, long-term economic growth. The initial construction jobs will benefit our local employment and bring tangible economic benefits to our town. I support this economic development project and the energy goals of Governor Hochul.”
Scott Hilyard from Laborers International Union Local 1822 said: “Our local union is proud to support the Two Rivers Solar project, which will bring good paying construction jobs with living wages and benefits to workers and their families in our region. Our members are trained and ready to deliver this work safely and efficiently, and we are glad to see this investment in our community.”
The permitting process included public comments as well as several revisions by Boralex LLC aimed at reducing costs for municipalities while complying with local laws as much as possible. Adjustments were also made during planning stages based on input from both towns in order to minimize impacts on sensitive resources like wetlands or historic sites.
Financially, communities including school districts are expected to receive increased revenues through agreements associated with hosting the facility; however, specific payment-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT) terms are still being negotiated.
Approximately 279 full-time construction jobs are projected during development; organizers say they plan efforts toward hiring locally where feasible. Local businesses may benefit from additional purchases or rentals tied directly or indirectly to construction activities.
The approval comes after an application process beginning February 25th last year under Article VIII requirements; notices were issued throughout summer into autumn before final permitting was granted.
Further details about today’s decision can be found by searching Case Number 23-02991 at www.dps.ny.gov or by contacting DPS offices directly.