Invenergy proposes Long Island renewable energy projects

Invenergy, an independent developer of renewable energy projects, has announced the largest renewable project ever proposed for Long Island in New York (U.S.).

The project, Clean Energy Link, consists of four new wind and two new solar farms located within the 12-state PJM regional power market, with a combined capacity exceeding 700 megawatts. All the renewable energy from these projects will be joined into a single portfolio and delivered to Long Island from PJM via a new buried HVDC transmission line, ending at a net-zero converter station on Long Island.

The wind and solar projects will be built across more than 55,000 acres in rural areas in multiple states where land is less expensive and more readily available. This innovative portfolio approach provides economies of scale and unprecedented diversification in technology and geography that will deliver residents of Long Island reliable, clean renewable power at the lowest cost possible.

Invenergy is offering the Clean Energy Link in response to Governor Cuomo’s 50 by 30 goal – securing 50 percent of the State’s energy from renewables by 2030 – and his decision to make that goal binding across New York. With that mandate, the State must develop, deploy and import renewable energy in greater quantities, over shorter time periods, than it has ever done before.

The Clean Energy Link will triple Long Island’s renewable resources portfolio. The project will move Nassau and Suffolk from 3 percent in 2015 to more than 10 percent when its power begins to reach Long Island in late 2020 — an important first step to begin to meet the Governor’s Clean Energy Standard.

Michael Polsky, Invenergy’s founder and CEO, said:

“We’re here today because of Governor Cuomo’s commitment to the environment and to securing electricity from renewables at an unprecedented scale. Innovation is in our DNA and we answered his call for new thinking. This portfolio approach is unique and offers renewables at a scale that makes a difference and at a price people can afford. Pairing renewable energy with new dedicated transmission will bring low cost wind and solar energy to where it is needed in densely populated areas such as Long Island and New England.”

Kevin Law, the CEO of the Long Island Association, noted:

“Long Island and all of New York need out-of-the-box thinking to meet the challenge of 50 by 30. I applaud Invenergy’s innovative portfolio approach and all projects that can bring renewable energy to Long Island at affordable prices.”

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone added:

“This approach balances our need to be a leader in supporting clean energy to tackle climate change which threatens our coastlines and overcomes the challenges of producing large scale renewable power on Long Island."

Dick Amper, executive director of the Long Island Pine Barrens Society, said:

“There is a clear understanding amongst Long Islanders that we need more green energy sources. This has been a priority for nearly a decade, but a persistent challenge given Long Island’s limited open space. Now Long Islanders can access renewable energy while preserving our open space. It’s a win-win.”

Marcia Bystryn, president of the New York League of Conservation Voters, said:

“Long Island has never had an opportunity like the Clean Energy Link. In a single stroke, the Clean Energy Link will more than triple the green energy supply to Long Island. It’s a big step forward for Long Island and means we can stop talking about meeting the Governor’s 50 by 30 and begin actually achieving it.”

Neal Lewis, executive director of the Sustainability Institute at Molloy College said:

“Clean energy is our future, and the Clean Energy Link is certainly something to move forward on. If Long Island is going to meet the Governors 50 by 30 mandate, massive amounts of renewable energy are needed. In addition to roof-top solar and on-island solar farms, projects like the Clean Energy Link and off-shore wind must move forward. We must seriously consider all renewable options if we are going to have a clean energy future."