NEW YORK STATE ENERGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Awardee Announced to Build One of the Largest Solar Projects in New York's Adirondack Park

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) today (March 13) announced that CleanCapital was selected to build one of the largest solar projects in the Adirondack Park under New York's first Build-Ready site auction to advance large-scale renewable energy across the State. The project will be built on an underutilized portion of the Benson Mines property in St. Lawrence County. This announcement demonstrates how clean energy projects not only provide environmentally sustainable energy, but are also critical to repurposing underused land to stimulate economic growth and unlock new revenue for communities statewide.

NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, "This is a significant achievement for NYSERDA's Build-Ready program as we have now completed our first auction and are supporting the transformation of this underutilized site into something that is in fact, build-ready. The Build-Ready program is helping to reimagine sites across the state so that communities can benefit from these otherwise abandoned spaces."

As part of the Build-Ready program, NYSERDA conducted an evaluation of the site to assess its viability for a potential project. Once it was deemed viable, NYSERDA prepared the site to make it "build-ready" by leading the permitting, design, and interconnection approval process of the site. NYSERDA worked with community leaders, business partners, and regional partner agencies to explore and advance community benefits associated with the project that were tailored to the specific needs of the host community.

NYSERDA, the administrator of the State's Build-Ready program, facilitated the auction of the Benson Mines solar project through a competitive solicitation process. NYSERDA awarded, sold, and transferred the project to CleanCapital to complete the remaining development milestones, finance, construct, own, and operate the project. CleanCapital has entered into a 20-year Renewable Energy Certificate agreement to sell Tier 1 Renewable Energy Certificates generated by the project to NYSERDA. Once operational, the 12-megawatt solar project, which is sited within the boundaries of Benson Mines Inc. on a former iron ore tailings pile is estimated to generate enough renewable energy to power up to 3,000 homes annually.

Benson Mines, Inc. President Stuart M. Carlisle said, "The partnership with CleanCapital demonstrates our commitment to building sustainable investments from the resources available at Benson Mines. This project will bring needed jobs to the area, which is also beginning to take shape under our latest aggregates partnership with Astro Aggregates and through the resumption of processing minerals with our other business partners. We would like to thank the NYSERDA team, the County Board of Legislators, and the IDA for their support on this project and helping to further the execution of our strategic plan."

CleanCapital Chief Development Officer Paul Curran said, "We are thrilled to have the opportunity to build and operate the inaugural project in NYSERDA's Build-Ready program. Once built, this 12-megawatt solar project - sited on an iron-ore mine tailings pile - will be an outstanding example of the abundant opportunities for renewable energy development on brownfields here in New York State. We are grateful for the vision and resources NYSERDA has provided to make this project a reality."

NYSERDA also collaborated with the Town of Clifton, the Clifton-Fine Central School District and the St. Lawrence County Industrial Development Agency (SLCIDA) to negotiate a payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreement that will bring new tax dollars to the town, school district, and county. The collaboration also established the Clifton-Fine Solar Community Improvement Fund, which includes $200,000 in Host Community Benefits. The fund will be managed by SLCIDA and funded by CleanCapital. This customized set of incentives and financial benefits for host communities will provide funding for local projects, job training, and community improvements.

Benson Mines Inc. will continue to operate as an aggregates and timber company. Developing the site for coexistent solar energy generation is consistent with Benson Mines' long-term goals to promote sustainable industrial development that revitalizes the local economy.

The solar project complements efforts by the North Country Regional Economic Development Council to encourage and support economic growth in the region's small cities and rural communities and aligns with the Adirondack Council's principles for the State, including the Adirondack Park Agency, to responsibly guide development of expanded renewable energy capacity inside the park, to address climate change, and to provide benefits to communities.

Adirondack Park Agency Executive Director Barb Rice said, "The Adirondack Park Agency congratulates NYSERDA and St. Lawrence County for the selection of CleanCapital to transform the Benson Mines site into one of the largest, innovative clean energy projects inside the Adirondack Park. This is the next step in the process to revitalize parts of the former Benson Mine site into a solar energy generation facility. This project is an outstanding example of how to integrate large scale solar projects into rural communities and protected landscapes. Under Governor Kathy Hochul's leadership New York State continues to lead by example to accelerate clean renewable energy growth."

St. Lawrence County Legislator, District 6, Larry D. Denesha said, "The formal announcement of the sale and development of this portion of the Benson Mines' southern tailings pile site is exciting news, not only for the Towns of Clifton and Fine, but for all of St. Lawrence County. This site is especially ideal for a solar energy array as it uses underutilized land. Thanks to the hard work and determination of people and organizations too numerous to list, it will soon be a reality."

St. Lawrence County Industrial Development Agency CEO Patrick J. Kelly said, "This project has allowed us to put an underutilized portion of the Benson property back into productive use, bringing new investment, infrastructure development, and economic benefits to the local community. The support and commitment from NYSERDA to make this project possible was outstanding and I strongly encourage any community with underutilized properties to investigate the Build-Ready program."

Adirondack Council Executive Director Raul Aguirre said "As we witness profound shifts at the federal level, it is more important than ever for New York to step up with viable financing and incentives for clean-energy projects like this," said Adirondack Council Executive Director Raul J. Aguirre.  "The conversion of this former industrial site into a source of clean power will bring much needed private investment to the Adirondacks and new jobs to the region. Renewable energy projects that minimize the threats of acid rain, smog, or greenhouse gas emissions and further NY's CLCPA goals are essential for us to meet long-term climate resiliency goals."

About Build-Ready

The Build-Ready Program advances large-scale renewable energy projects on underutilized land, such as brownfields, landfills, former industrial sites, parking lots, and abandoned or existing commercial and industrial sites. The program advances a pipeline of projects across New York State. To date, it has screened over 5,000 locations and advanced dozens of sites through advanced assessment and development. Local community members, elected officials, private companies, environmental justice communities, and other interested parties are encouraged to nominate potential Build-Ready sites  for consideration.

Learn more about the program and its actively expanding pipeline of potential sites on both public and private lands by visiting the NYSERDA website.

New York State's Climate Agenda

New York State's climate agenda calls for an affordable and just transition to a clean energy economy that creates family-sustaining jobs, promotes economic growth through green investments, and directs a minimum of 35 percent of the benefits to disadvantaged communities. New York is advancing a suite of efforts to achieve an emissions-free economy by 2050, including in the energy, buildings, transportation, and waste sectors.

NYSERDA

Since 1975, NYSERDA has been working to advance New York's energy system and economy. As a public benefit corporation, NYSERDA has served as an objective source for information and technical expertise to drive innovation and investment. NYSERDA professionals have worked for the past 50 years to protect the environment and help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency, save money, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. To learn more about NYSERDA's programs and funding opportunities, visit nyserda.ny.gov or follow us on Twitter , Facebook , YouTube , or Instagram .