A final siting permit for the Somerset solar array was announced by Gov. Kathy Hochul on Tuesday.
Approval was granted by the New York State Office of Renewable Energy Siting and Electric Transmission.
The project will generate 125 megawatts of clean, renewable energy. Once operational, the facility will reduce carbon emissions by more than 177,000 tons annually — the equivalent of taking more than 35,000 cars off the road—and will produce enough electricity to power more than 25,000 average-sized houses.
“The Somerset solar array exemplifies New York state’s progress toward a clean energy economy,” Hochul said. “With the issuance of this siting permit, we are creating good-paying jobs in Western New York, while providing clean, sustainable energy for our families and businesses.”
Litigation by the Town of Somerset, over state waivers of local laws that would restrict the project, ended with a settlement agreement between the town and AES Clean Energy in September.
The Somerset solar project is the first ORES permit issued for a renewable energy facility on a repurposed industrial site. The facility is located on portions of Somerset Station, a former coal plant, and portions of a landfill – both of which are ideal for solar development.
The solar array permitting followed a timely, detailed, and transparent review process with public participation to ensure the proposed project meets or exceeds the state law requirements and its implementing regulations, a release from Hochul’s office stated. The solar array application was deemed complete on Feb. 5 with a draft permit issued by ORES on April 5. ORES held a public comment hearing on June 11. The complete record includes 41 public comments and written statements.
“Projects that partner with Labor for a cleaner, greener future are always good news for Niagara County and Western New York. We look forward to more opportunities for our families and communities under Governor Hochul’s leadership,” Buffalo Building Trades Council President Paul Brown said.
Added IBEW Local 237 Business Manager John Scherrer, “IBEW Local 237 is proud to support the Somerset solar array project. With the announcement of the sitting permit for Somerset Solar which exemplifies New York State’s progress toward a clean energy economy many great paying jobs will be created for our electricians. This work will support local families and provide excellent on-the-job training opportunities for our diverse group of apprentices working in the renewable electrical energy field.”
According to the developer, the Somerset project will support more than 200 full-time construction jobs during the 18-month construction period. The developer says local construction employment is expected to primarily benefit those in the construction trades in Niagara County and the surrounding regional labor market, including equipment operators, truck drivers, laborers, landscapers and electricians. The project construction period will also stimulate spending at local hotels, restaurants, shops, entertainment and tourism.
In addition, the host community benefits include, but are not limited to, the creation of permanent jobs during operations, local property tax spending, local and regional spending, and a host community agreement with the Town of Somerset all without significantly increasing costs to local authorities, school districts, or emergency services. According to the developer, benefits will include public road enhancements, increased tax revenues to fund local infrastructure and public services, schools and other community priorities.
Somerset Solar marks the 19th ORES-approved large-scale renewable energy project since 2021, which cumulatively represents over 2.8 gigawatts (GW) of new clean energy in New York state.