Solar facility in northern Franklin County approved
ALBANY — Gov. Kathy Hochul Friday announced the New York State Office of Renewable Energy Siting has issued a final siting permit for Brookside Solar LLC to develop, design, construct, operate, maintain, and decommission a 100-megawatt solar energy facility in the towns of Burke and Chateaugay in northern Franklin County.
Once completed, this solar facility is expected to generate enough clean energy to power over 16,500 New York homes and reduce carbon emissions by over 131,000 metric tons, which is equivalent to taking nearly 29,000 cars off the road. This solar facility is also expected to create more than 130 full-time equivalent jobs during construction and operation.
“New York is taking yet another step forward in building a clean economy,” Hochul said in a press release. “By issuing this final siting permit, we’re creating jobs, providing New York families and businesses with clean and sustainable energy, and building a better future for generations of New Yorkers to come.”
The announcement marks the 15th major renewable energy facility permit issued by the Office of Renewable Energy Siting since 2021. These 15 permits represent over 2.3 gigawatts of new clean energy permitted.
“The town of Chateaugay is pleased to support the Brookside Solar Project,” Chateaugay town Supervisor Don Bilow said in a release. “We support the states plan to increase the supply of green energy and lessen our dependence on fossil fuel. These renewable projects are the correct way to begin to balance the effects of greenhouse gases and pollution. I am grateful that some of our leaders take the threat of global warming seriously.”
Brookside Solar is expected to provide over $12.7 million in the first 20 years to the counties, towns and school districts in the form of payment in lieu of taxes and host community agreements to invest in infrastructure, additional services, and resources for residents in the communities hosting the facility.
The decision may be obtained by going to the Office’s website at https://ores.ny.gov/permit-applications.